Lewis Hamilton says he’s slowly increase his tempo and confidence on the Australian Grand Prix as he adjusts to how totally different the Ferrari feels in comparison with his earlier vehicles.
The seven-time world champion was exterior the highest 10in FP1 at Albert Park however improved to sixth place within the second observe session, 0.4s off teammate Charles Leclerc who set the quickest time. Hamilton says the variations between his new automobile and the earlier ones he has pushed are important, 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. “Actually, the automobile felt a lot totally different to what I’ve ever skilled coming to this monitor, so it took just a little little bit of bedding in via P1. P2 was positively just a little bit higher — we’re slowly constructing and getting just a little bit quicker little by little.
“The automobile doesn’t really feel dangerous or something, it simply requires a special manner of driving so I’m adjusting my driving model little by little however having fun with driving.”
Hamilton admits the enhancements should not going to come back on the identical charge as prior to now, as a result of he’s nonetheless understanding methods to make modifications and work together along with his workforce and automobile at Ferrari.
“I wouldn’t say it was [improving] shortly — P1 was just a little bit messy, P2 was positively 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 therefore lengthy.
“So I’m nonetheless working via 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 likely to be a tall order for him as he will get on top of things, he’s inspired by how aggressive Ferrari appears to be like in comparison with McLaren to this point in Melbourne.
“For me I feel it’s just a little bit early as I proceed to simply get to be taught the automobile — however , by no means say by no means,” he stated. “I’ll nonetheless give it every part I’ve acquired tomorrow and simply not placed on an excessive amount of stress. I’m simply going to try to take pleasure in it. I’ve acquired some tempo to search out — I do know the place I’m going to search 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 appears to be like fairly shut up prime, nevertheless it’s simply usually been a very enjoyable day to be right here in pink as effectively — it’s simply been superior.”
