Hamilton grateful for 'most exciting period' of his life at Ferrari
F1 News
Lewis Hamilton has expressed confidence in his new car but hesitated to make any predictions about where Ferrari stands. He also shared his pride in driving for the iconic team from Maranello, revealing this to GPblog and other media outlets on media day in Melbourne before the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
Hamilton started laughing when asked if he is confident in the Ferrari: "I definitely feel so the first few days. We've had we've only had three days in the car, but it's difficult to know where we stand with everyone else, but we just try to keep our heads down and just focus on our job. It was you know, Carlos (Sainz) was incredibly quick. Kimi (Antonelli) was really quick. It was difficult to know who's where it looks like it's gonna be close between us all but for me, I've been just itching to get going I guess," he began.
"It's been a long time coming and to think that this is my first Grand Prix. What is it, one of those other firsts with the team as I experienced that all through the year. Very honoured and very grateful to have the opportunity."
The seven-time world champion's move to Ferrari is arguably the biggest ever in Formula 1 history. In recent years, Hamilton has been part of Mercedes for 12 years. How will Hamilton fare this season in such a different environment? "I know what I can bring, I know I can deliver. I know what it's going to take to do that and it's just getting your head down and working away. So I come with a very open mind."
Hamilton: Ferrari power has a 'different feel'
The 105-time Grand Prix winner also commented on the differences between Mercedes, where he spent 12 years, and Ferrari. "Coming to this weekend, it is about getting into a season, it's about getting into a good rhythm. I still, as I said a while ago, still learning this new car that's quite a lot different to what I've driven for, for the last, for all my previous career. In the sense of the Mercedes power coming to Ferrari power, it's something quite new. Different vibrations, different feel, different ways of working. The whole team works completely differently," Hamilton explained.
'The most exciting period' of Hamilton's life
Although he is still settling in, Hamilton is certain that he can hit the ground running with the Italian squadron. "I'm like looking at it from what I've the same for. You don't understand. I don't understand it at all. I'm like, so looking at things that you, that you're looking at things all in from a different perspective and which, which makes it exciting and challenging. So I definitely, this is the most exciting period of my life and so I'm really just enjoying it and I'm so excited to get in the car tomorrow."
At Ferrari, Hamilton aims to secure his eighth world title, which would make him the all-time record holder. He is currently tied with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher, both holding seven world titles. Ferrari has been waiting for a driver's championship since 2007 and a constructors' title since 2008.
This article was written in collaboration with Hidde Korte
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