Lewis Hamilton Reflects On 'Learning Experience' At Ferrari Following Australian Grand Prix Qualification
Hamilton continued his lukewarm start to life at Ferrari as he qualified eighth at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton continued his lukewarm start to life at Ferrari as he qualified eighth at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
McLaren’s Lando Norris picked up from where he left off last season to top the qualification timings, while teammate Oscar Piastri completed a 1-2 finish in the qualifications, ahead of four-time defending champion Max Verstappen on his Red Bull, who came in third. George Russell clocked the fourth-fastest lap, while Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon will begin the race at Austin Park on p5 and p6, respectively.
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The sun was out on Saturday’s qualification, but weather forecasts predict showers on Sunday and Hamilton said that he had to study how his new car would react to wet track.
“Tomorrow’s going to be a challenge. I’ve never driven this car in the rain," said Hamilton.
“I don’t even know the rain settings so I’ve got to go and study that tonight. It will be a learning experience again," the 40-year-old said.
Hamilton reflected on his initial days at the fabled Italian car manufacturer and expressed that he was looking at ways to maximize the pace.
“I had a really good time out there today. Everything’s been a first this weekend," he said.
“To be that close in my first qualifying session, I’d definitely take it. We’ll just get our heads down and start working, trying to find out why we’re not on pace with the frontrunners," the Brit said.
Leclerc, on the other hand, was far less diplomatic and pointed out the lack of pace on the day and suggested that the Prancing Horse need to sort out the balance of the car as well ahead of the main race.
“The lap wasn’t great, all in all, we just didn’t have the pace today," Leclerc said.
“We mainly struggled with the balance of the car and putting it all together, so we have some work to do," the Monegasque added.
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