Hamilton Calls Ferrari Debut ‘Most Exciting Time of My Life’

Lewis Hamilton is eager to begin his journey with Ferrari, calling it the “most exciting period of my life” as he prepares for his first race with the team. However, he acknowledged that adapting to a new car will take time.
After 12 years with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion will race in Ferrari red for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. Expectations are high, but Hamilton emphasized the importance of a smooth transition.
Hamilton officially joined Ferrari in January and has already completed 162 laps in Bahrain testing. Despite his experience, he admitted it’s still difficult to judge Ferrari’s performance compared to other teams.
“Three days in the car isn’t enough to know exactly where we stand,” he said in Melbourne. “But we’re focused on our job, and I’m just eager to get started. It’s been a long time coming.”
Ferrari finished second in last year’s Constructors’ Championship behind Red Bull. The Italian team has not won a title since 2008, and Kimi Räikkönen was their last driver to claim the world championship in 2007.
Hamilton remains confident in his abilities but stressed that success will require patience.
“I have high expectations for myself. I know what I bring to the team, and I know I can deliver,” he said. “It’s about working hard, staying focused, and getting into a good rhythm this season.”
He also highlighted the differences between Ferrari’s car and the Mercedes he drove for most of his career.
“This car is quite different—switching from Mercedes power to Ferrari power. The vibrations, the feel, and the overall handling are new to me. The way the team operates is also completely different,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton said he is motivated by the opportunity.
“This is definitely the most exciting time of my life. I’m really enjoying it, and I can’t wait to get back in the car tomorrow,” he said.
He acknowledged that building a strong foundation with the team is key.
“The sooner we start performing at a high level, the better. But there’s a transition period. Over the past few months, we’ve been working on that foundation—building trust and relationships with every team member.”
When asked about his expectations for the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton said his main goal is to give his best performance.
“I just want to leave knowing I gave everything, that I pushed myself, and that I felt comfortable in the car. It’s about taking it one step at a time,” he said.
AFP