Lewis Hamilton says he’s slowly build up his tempo and confidence on the Australian Grand Prix as he adjusts to how completely different the Ferrari feels in comparison with his earlier vehicles.
The seven-time world champion was outdoors the highest 10in FP1 at Albert Park however improved to sixth place within the second follow session, 0.4s off teammate Charles Leclerc who set the quickest time. Hamilton says the variations between his new automotive and the earlier ones he has pushed are vital, and so he’s staying affected person as he works to extend his efficiency.
“Firstly it was tremendous thrilling, the build-up to this week, and it felt superb to get on the market and be in a Ferrari right here,” Hamilton stated. “Truthfully, the automotive felt a lot completely different to what I’ve ever skilled coming to this observe, so it took slightly little bit of bedding in by P1. P2 was undoubtedly slightly bit higher — we’re slowly constructing and getting slightly bit sooner little by little.
“The automotive doesn’t really feel dangerous or something, it simply requires a distinct method of driving so I’m adjusting my driving model little by little however having fun with driving.”
Hamilton admits the enhancements will not be going to come back on the identical charge as prior to now, as a result of he’s nonetheless understanding tips on how to make modifications and work together together with his crew and automotive at Ferrari.
“I wouldn’t say it was [improving] shortly — P1 was slightly bit messy, P2 was undoubtedly beginning to look a bit higher. Additionally I’m actually nonetheless getting used to all of the setup modifications, so it’s like I don’t have them on name like I used to have clearly at Mercedes, as a result of I’d been there for thus lengthy.
“So I’m nonetheless working by understanding what instruments we will use. It’s attention-grabbing as a result of you may see with Charles, he simply is aware of as a result of he’s been right here for such a very long time, however I’m slowly piecing the bits of the puzzle collectively.”
Whereas Hamilton says pole place is perhaps a tall order for him as he will get in control, he’s inspired by how aggressive Ferrari seems to be in comparison with McLaren to this point in Melbourne.
“For me I feel it’s slightly bit early as I proceed to only get to be taught the automotive — however you realize, by no means say by no means,” he stated. “I’ll nonetheless give it every little thing I’ve acquired tomorrow and simply not placed on an excessive amount of strain. I’m simply going to try to take pleasure in it. I’ve acquired some tempo to seek out — I do know the place I’m going to seek out it, it’s nearly going out and doing it however simply constructing.
“I feel the long term was aggressive with the others as effectively. McLaren seemed fairly fast so it seems to be fairly shut up high, but it surely’s simply usually been a extremely enjoyable day to be right here in purple as effectively — it’s simply been superior.”
