Lewis Hamilton knows he’s got a tough task ahead, but as ever, he’s all set to put in his maximum effort during Saturday’s qualifying at Albert Park. Aiming for his first pole position with Ferrari, he admits he’s still getting acquainted with the SF-25. The seven-time world champion ended Friday’s practice in fifth, trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc by 0.420 seconds, as Leclerc led the pack.
Despite still familiarizing himself with Ferrari’s latest machine, Hamilton’s hunger to succeed hasn’t waned. He’s ready to push for a significant achievement this weekend. “Though it’s still early and I’m learning every aspect of the car, anything is possible,” he confidently stated after day one in Melbourne. “I’ll be going all out tomorrow, no holds barred.”
Hamilton’s strategy is straightforward: find ways to improve without overburdening himself. “I’m not putting too much pressure on myself,” he shared. “My plan is to enjoy the drive, figure out where I can find more speed, and then piece everything together on track.”
Reflecting on his time with Mercedes, Hamilton noted how he was used to having setup tweaks at the tip of his fingers. Now, adapting to Ferrari involves navigating new territory. “The first practice was a bit chaotic, while the second was more refined,” he explained. “I’m still getting used to the various setup options. It’s a new learning curve, unlike with Mercedes, where I knew every setup trick by heart.”
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc is showing strong confidence in the SF-25, yet he’s staying grounded in his approach. Aware of the fierce competition involving Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, Leclerc is eager but cautious. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow with optimism, aiming for pole, but I prefer to stay reserved,” the Monegasque driver noted.
The eight-time Grand Prix winner acknowledges the unpredictable grid, making it hard to single out a primary rival. “It’s too early to pinpoint who’s the real threat. Some teams might be holding back more than others,” he mentioned. “McLaren is right up there, and even if Red Bull seems to be struggling now, especially with Max, you can never count them out. Mercedes is showing strength, too, so I expect a thrilling battle ahead.”
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