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 automobiles.
The seven-time world champion was outdoors the highest 10in FP1 at Albert Park however improved to sixth place within the second apply 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 totally different to what I’ve ever skilled coming to this observe, so it took a bit little bit of bedding in by way of P1. P2 was undoubtedly a bit bit higher — we’re slowly constructing and getting a bit bit quicker little by little.
“The automotive doesn’t really feel unhealthy or something, it simply requires a unique means of driving so I’m adjusting my driving type little by little however having fun with driving.”
Hamilton admits the enhancements will not be going to come back on the similar fee as previously, as a result of he’s nonetheless figuring out the way to make adjustments and work together together with his staff and automotive at Ferrari.
“I wouldn’t say it was [improving] shortly — P1 was a bit bit messy, P2 was undoubtedly beginning to look a bit higher. Additionally I’m actually nonetheless getting used to all of the setup adjustments, 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 by way of understanding what instruments we are able to use. It’s fascinating 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 on top of things, he’s inspired by how aggressive Ferrari appears to be like in comparison with McLaren thus far in Melbourne.
“For me I believe it’s a bit bit early as I proceed to only get to study the automotive — however you already know, by no means say by no means,” he stated. “I’ll nonetheless give it the whole lot I’ve obtained tomorrow and simply not placed on an excessive amount of stress. I’m simply going to try to take pleasure in it. I’ve obtained 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 believe the long term was aggressive with the others as nicely. McLaren seemed fairly fast so it appears to be like fairly shut up high, nevertheless it’s simply usually been a extremely enjoyable day to be right here in purple as nicely — it’s simply been superior.”
