Lewis Hamilton was buoyed by his journey of discovery with Ferrari on the opening day of practice for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Friday was a pivotal moment for Hamilton as he drove out of the Ferrari pit garage for the first time on a GP weekend, another milestone ticked off in his new F1 surroundings.
After 12 seasons with Mercedes, becoming a Ferrari driver is still taking some getting used to for Hamilton and that includes acclimatising behind the wheel of the SF-25.
That adaptation resulted in a deficit to Charles Leclerc across both practice sessions at the Albert Park circuit on Friday, six tenths and four tenths in FP1 and 2 respectively.
Hamilton acknowledged post-FP2 that his Ferrari feels completely different to anything he’s driven at the Australian GP, but is relishing the experience.
“Super exciting build-up to this week and it felt amazing to get out there and be in a Ferrari here,” he began.
“Honestly, the car felt so much different to what I’ve ever experienced coming to this track.
“So it took a little bit of bedding in through FP1.
“FP2 was definitely a little better, but we’re slowly building and getting a little bit faster bit by bit.”
Asked to clarify what the differences between Mercedes and Ferrari were at Albert Park, Hamilton said “Just different, just a lot different. But the car doesn’t feel bad or anything.
“It just requires a different way of driving, so adjusting my driving style bit by bit, but enjoying driving.”
Ferrari bow reminiscent of McLaren debut – Hamilton
Speaking ahead of his Ferrari bow in Australia, Hamilton revealed that his feelings were akin to his F1 debut with McLaren, 18 years ago.
“I’ve had this amazing career here in Formula 1,” he said.
“Starting with McLaren here in 2007 was an epic feeling and then starting with a new team again with Mercedes was, again, incredible.
“I think this is very reminiscent of my first year.
“Over the years, I’ve gone up and down the paddock looking at the red garage, and now I’m actually in the red garage. So it’s a really nice feeling.”
Before turning a wheel in anger during practice, Hamilton had some positive words to say of his Ferrari, and looks forward to growing with his new team throughout the course of the season.
“We’ve only had three days in the car, but it’s difficult to know where we stand with everyone else,” he said.
“We’re just trying to keep our heads down and focus on our job.
“I’m itching to get going. It’s been a long time coming, and to think that this is going to be my first Grand Prix—one of those other firsts with the team—as I experience that all through the year, it’s pretty special.
“I feel very honoured and very grateful to have the opportunity.”
READ MORE – Ferrari unconcerned by sluggish Lewis Hamilton start to F1 Australian GP weekend
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