Lewis Hamilton has described his upcoming Ferrari debut as the “most exciting period of my life” as he prepares to race in the famous red at this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion, who made a stunning switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, officially joined the Scuderia in January and has already completed extensive pre-season testing, logging 162 laps in Bahrain. However, he remains cautious about immediate success, acknowledging the adjustment period ahead.
Speaking in Melbourne on Thursday, Hamilton admitted it was difficult to gauge where Ferrari stood in the competitive order after just three days of testing.
“Obviously, three days in the car, it’s difficult to know where we stand with everyone else,” he said. “But we just try to keep our heads down and focus on our job.”
Despite the uncertainties, the 40-year-old is eager to get started.
“I’m just itching to get going. I guess it’s been a long time coming.”
Ferrari has endured a long wait for championship glory, with their last constructors’ title coming in 2008 and Kimi Räikkönen remaining their most recent drivers’ champion in 2007. While expectations are high for Hamilton’s arrival, he remains level-headed about what he can achieve.
Hamilton, who spent 12 years at Mercedes, understands the pressure but believes in his ability to contribute to Ferrari’s resurgence.
“I have an expectation for myself. I know what I can bring, I know I can deliver, and I know what it’s going to take to do that,” he explained.
“This is about getting into a good rhythm. I’m still learning this new car that’s quite a lot different from what I’ve driven throughout my career.”
The switch from Mercedes to Ferrari power units has presented new challenges.
“It’s something quite new—different vibration, different feel, different way of working,” he said. “The whole team operates completely differently.”
Despite the steep learning curve, Hamilton is relishing the challenge.
“Definitely, this is the most exciting period of my life, and I’m really just enjoying it. I’m so excited to get in the car tomorrow,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that patience will be key in achieving results.
“The sooner you can get to performing at a high level and getting results, the better. But admittedly, there is a transition period, and there is a foundation that needs to be built.”
Hamilton believes that the early part of the season will be about establishing trust and understanding within the Ferrari team.
“The first half of the season is really about building those relationships and that foundation,” he added.
When asked about his expectations for the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton focused on personal performance rather than outright results.
“I think I just ultimately want to come away knowing that I’ve given absolutely everything. That I’ve excelled in the way that I know I can, that I felt comfortable in the car,” he said.
For Hamilton and Ferrari, the road to success may take time, but the anticipation surrounding this new chapter in his career is undeniable.
