Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of a new chapter in his illustrious Formula 1 career as he gears up for his highly anticipated debut with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. The seven-time world champion has described this period as the “most exciting” of his life, but he is well aware that adapting to his new car will be a process that takes time.
Having spent 12 successful years with Mercedes, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari took the motorsport world by storm. Since officially joining the Scuderia in January, the 40-year-old has been putting in the work, logging 162 laps during testing in Bahrain. However, he remains cautious about the true competitiveness of Ferrari in comparison to their rivals.
“It’s difficult to know where we stand with everyone else after just three days in the car. But we are focused on our job and staying grounded,” Hamilton shared during his pre-race preparations in Melbourne.
Ferrari has been without a championship title for quite some time, last clinching the constructors’ championship in 2008 and the drivers’ title in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen. Despite Hamilton’s arrival bringing a wave of excitement, he has emphasized the need for patience when it comes to expecting immediate success.
Hamilton highlighted the differences in transitioning from Mercedes power to Ferrari power, noting variations in vibration, feel, and overall team operations. While acknowledging the adjustment period, he is eager to get behind the wheel and start racing in Melbourne. Building a strong foundation with his new team is a top priority for the British driver, as he believes that the first half of the season will be crucial in establishing trust and fostering relationships within Ferrari.
As Hamilton embarks on this new journey with Ferrari, fans and the motorsport community are eagerly anticipating how he will fare in his new environment. The Australian Grand Prix will serve as the first test of his abilities with the Italian team, and all eyes will be on him as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
