Lewis Hamilton says he is slowly building up his pace and confidence at the Australian Grand Prix as he adjusts to how different the Ferrari feels compared to his previous cars.
The seven-time world champion was outside the top 10in FP1 at Albert Park but improved to sixth place in the second practice session, 0.4s off teammate Charles Leclerc who set the fastest time. Hamilton says the differences between his new car and the previous ones he has driven are significant, and so he is staying patient as he works to increase his performance.
“Firstly it was super exciting, the build-up to this week, and it felt amazing to get out there and be in a Ferrari here,” Hamilton said. “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 P1. P2 was definitely a little bit better — we’re slowly building and getting a little bit faster bit by bit.
“The car doesn’t feel bad or anything, it just requires a different way of driving so I’m adjusting my driving style bit by bit but enjoying driving.”
Hamilton admits the improvements are not going to come at the same rate as in the past, because he is still working out how to make changes and interact with his team and car at Ferrari.
“I wouldn’t say it was [improving] quickly — P1 was a little bit messy, P2 was definitely starting to look a bit better. Also I’m really still getting used to all the setup changes, so it’s like I don’t have them on call like I used to have obviously at Mercedes, because I’d been there for so long.
“So I’m still working through understanding what tools we can use. It’s interesting because you can see with Charles, he just knows because he’s been here for such a long time, but I’m slowly piecing the bits of the puzzle together.”
While Hamilton says pole position might be a tall order for him as he gets up to speed, he’s encouraged by how competitive Ferrari looks compared to McLaren so far in Melbourne.
“For me I think it’s a little bit early as I continue to just get to learn the car — but you know, never say never,” he said. “I’ll still give it everything I’ve got tomorrow and just not put on too much pressure. I’m just going to try and enjoy it. I’ve got some pace to find — I know where I’m going to find it, it’s just about going out and doing it but just building.
“I think the long run was competitive with the others as well. McLaren looked pretty quick so it looks pretty close up top, but it’s just generally been a really fun day to be here in red as well — it’s just been awesome.”
