Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Debut in Australia

Lewis Hamilton made his highly anticipated debut with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, finishing four-tenths of a second behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc, after the first day of practice. Despite the early struggles, experts believe it may take Hamilton several races to find his footing in the new car.

Performance Overview

On a day filled with speculation surrounding Hamilton's performance, he ended the first practice session in P12, six-tenths adrift of Leclerc. However, he showed improvement in FP2, moving up to P5 and narrowing the gap to four-tenths. Leclerc, on the other hand, topped the session followed closely by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Scrutiny and Doubts

Hamilton’s struggles have come under scrutiny, particularly after a disappointing 2024 season where he lost to teammate George Russell with an alarming record of 19-5. At one point, he expressed doubts about his speed, stating, "I’m definitely not fast anymore."

Expert Opinions

Sky F1 correspondent Craig Slater offered a balanced perspective, suggesting that fans shouldn’t be overly concerned just yet. "Lewis Hamilton had a solid start in his debut with Ferrari," Slater remarked, emphasizing the gradual improvement in Hamilton's performance throughout the day.

Significant Moments

He pointed out Hamilton’s father was present, marking a significant moment for the seven-time world champion as he navigated his first grand prix session with the iconic Scuderia. Although Hamilton experienced understeer issues and expressed concerns about the car's handling, Slater noted that good progress was evident from FP1 to FP2.

Gradual Progress

“He’s slowly building confidence and fine-tuning the setup of the car,” Slater elaborated, forecasting that improvements should become more apparent during the qualifying rounds. While acknowledging that it could take time to reach the level of performance alongside Leclerc, he remained optimistic about Hamilton's potential to close the gap.

Hamilton's Reflections

Hamilton himself expressed a mix of excitement and the need for adjustment. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “It felt amazing to get out there and be in a Ferrari. The car felt so different from what I’ve ever experienced on this track, requiring a shift in my driving style.”

Looking Ahead

As the Australian GP unfolds, the spotlight continues to shine on Hamilton's journey with Ferrari. Will he overcome the initial hurdles and rise to the challenge, or are there deeper issues that could plague his season? Fans and critics alike eagerly await the next chapters of this riveting saga as the F1 2025 season progresses.