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Hamilton Reflects on Day 1 of Australian GP Practice in Ferrari: “Car Feels So Different”
Lewis Hamilton has completed his first day of practice at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, and it’s safe to say that driving the Ferrari for the first time at the Albert Park Circuit has been a new and exciting challenge for the seven-time world champion. Coming off the back of his much-talked-about switch to Ferrari after years with Mercedes, Hamilton is focused on adjusting to the unique characteristics of his new car as the 2025 season gets underway.
Speaking to the media after the first practice sessions, Hamilton was clear about the level of adjustment required for him to get fully comfortable with Ferrari’s machine.
“Felt amazing to get there and be in a Ferrari here,” Hamilton said with enthusiasm. “Honestly, the car felt so much different to what I’ve ever experienced coming to this track.”
It was evident that the car’s handling was unlike anything Hamilton had encountered in his long and illustrious career. After dominating the grid in a Mercedes for so long, Hamilton now has to learn how to make the most of the Ferrari. The transition hasn’t been without its growing pains, as the Briton explained.
Adjusting Through Free Practice 1
Hamilton’s initial experience in FP1 was all about acclimating himself to the car’s handling and performance on the Melbourne track. This session saw Hamilton complete numerous laps to gather data, but more importantly, to get a feel for the car.
“Took a bit of adjusting through FP1,” he revealed. “The car doesn’t feel bad or anything; it just requires a different way of driving.”
FP1, as expected, was mostly about trial and error for Hamilton. The Ferrari demands a different approach compared to the Mercedes he had piloted for over a decade. The car’s aerodynamics, power delivery, and balance all necessitate a distinct driving style. While Hamilton remains one of the most adaptable drivers on the grid, even he is having to take things one step at a time.
“The handling is just different, so it’s about adjusting my driving style bit by bit,” he added. “But I’m definitely enjoying driving!”
Improvement in FP2
Hamilton’s second practice session, FP2, showed notable improvement as the Ferrari star got more comfortable with the car. Though not without challenges, Hamilton managed to fine-tune his driving style and make more progress.
“FP2 was definitely a little bit better, but just building. We’re slowly building and getting faster bit by bit,” he remarked.
While FP2 was more productive for Hamilton, it’s clear that there’s still work to be done before he can fully extract the performance he wants from the Ferrari. The team will no doubt be analyzing all the data from both practice sessions to improve further ahead of qualifying and the race.
Hamilton’s pace was solid, but Ferrari’s overall competitiveness still needs to be gauged in comparison to the likes of Red Bull and Aston Martin. Nonetheless, for Hamilton, it was a day marked by learning and gradual improvement.
A Journey of Patience
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was one of the most significant changes in the off-season, and naturally, it comes with expectations. However, after years of driving Mercedes’ dominant machines, the 38-year-old driver is fully aware that his journey at Ferrari will require patience and adaptability.
The car’s unique demands may take time to master, but Hamilton is optimistic. He’s focused on the long-term goal of developing a race-winning synergy with Ferrari and competing for yet another world title. But for now, it’s all about taking things step by step.
“We’re building, and I’m happy with the progress so far,” he concluded.
As the Australian Grand Prix weekend unfolds, Hamilton’s performance will be closely watched as he continues to adjust to life with Ferrari. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how quickly the British champion can unlock the car’s full potential and challenge for victory.
Hamilton’s first day in Melbourne with Ferrari may have been about adaptation, but his determination to keep pushing forward signals that the best is yet to come.
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