Lewis Hamilton is eager to make his debut with Ferrari at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, expressing excitement about joining the iconic team.
The anticipation leading up to the new F1 season has centered around Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari, heightening fan enthusiasm for the seven-time world champion’s new chapter.
Following three challenging seasons with Mercedes, Hamilton has not contested for a championship title since the contentious 2021 season, though he did achieve two victories last year at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.
Ferrari’s pre-season testing in Bahrain indicated that they might trail behind McLaren in speed, but the upcoming races at Albert Park will clarify the true ranking of the teams.
“It was difficult to gauge the competition. It feels incredibly close between everyone,” stated Hamilton. “I’ve been itching to get started. It’s an honor to compete in my first Grand Prix with this team, and it’s something I’ve anticipated for a long time.”
As F1’s most accomplished driver, with 105 wins and 104 pole positions since his debut in 2007, Hamilton continues to set high expectations for himself. At 40 years old, he dedicates substantial time weekly to training at the Ferrari factory in Maranello.
“I keep to myself and have limited exposure to social media and news. I focus on my training and pushing my limits to achieve more,” he explained.
Hamilton’s Mindset: No Pressure, Only Goals
Despite Ferrari’s drought in the Drivers’ Championship since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, Hamilton remains optimistic. He mentioned he doesn’t feel any external pressure but is motivated by personal goals. “I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. I know what it takes to succeed, and that’s what I aim to deliver for myself and this team,” he added.
Reflecting on the differences at Ferrari, Hamilton noted, “The team functions differently. Analyzing the race data from last year feels like a different experience compared to my previous team.” He is invigorated by these challenges.
As he prepares for the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton is ready to embrace the excitement of a new season, stating, “I’m thrilled to take on this challenge and I can’t wait to get in the car.”
Upcoming Schedule for the Australian Grand Prix
Thursday March 13
- 9.45pm: F3 Practice
- 10.55pm: F2 Practice
Friday March 14
- 1am: Australian GP Practice One (session begins at 1.30am)*
- 2.55am: F3 Qualifying*
- 3.40am: Team Principals’ Press Conference
- 4.45am: Australian GP Practice Two (session begins at 5am)*
- 6.25am: F2 Qualifying*
- 7.15am: The F1 Show*
Saturday March 15
- 12.10am: F3 Sprint*
- 1.10am: Australian GP Practice Three (session begins at 1.30am)*
- 3.10am: F2 Sprint*
- 4.15am: Australian GP Qualifying build-up*
- 5am: AUSTRALIAN GP QUALIFYING*
- 7am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
7.30am: Australian GP Qualifying Replay* (9am) - 9.55pm: F3 Feature Race*
Sunday March 16
- 12.25am: F2 Feature Race*
- 2.30am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 4am: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX*
- 6am: Australian GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
- 7am: Ted’s Notebook*
- 7.55am: Australian GP race replay
- 10am: Australian GP highlights
- 7pm: Villeneuve Pironi – Racing’s Untold Tragedy
*Also available on other channels
