Hamilton Targets Ferrari Debut for Victory in Australian GP

F1 fans are in for a thrilling season opener as Lewis Hamilton gears up for his much-anticipated Ferrari debut at the Australian Grand Prix. With seven world titles to his name, the British racing icon is determined to make a strong first impression in Ferrari red, setting his sights on victory at Albert Park.

Hamilton, who has previously won the Australian Grand Prix twice, has embarked on a fresh chapter in his illustrious career after making the high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari. The move marks a significant shift in the F1 landscape, as he aims to elevate Ferrari back to its former glory. With high expectations from both fans and the team, the 39-year-old is embracing the challenge ahead.

Despite the excitement surrounding his debut, Hamilton remains grounded about his immediate prospects with Ferrari. Acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new car and environment, he is focused on building momentum rather than setting rigid performance goals for the season’s first race.

“I think for me, of course, the goal is to win, and the goal is to take the team forwards,” Hamilton told reporters at the drivers’ press conference ahead of the opening round of the 2025 F1 season.

“I’ve had some not-so-spectacular the years, and I’m trying to see if I can have a better year than I have the last three. And, yeah, there’ll be lots of factors which will connect to that.”

“What would I be happy with coming away this weekend? I don’t know. As I said, I don’t have expectations. I think I just ultimately want to come away knowing that I’ve given absolutely everything, and I’ve excelled in in the way that I know I can, that I felt comfortable in the car, and and just one foot in front of the other.”

While Hamilton remains cautiously optimistic, he acknowledges that true competitiveness will only be revealed when the cars hit the track for qualifying and the race itself. Despite the uncertainty, he hopes to be in contention for a top-five finish in his first Ferrari outing.

“So, I don’t know what that means in results, but of course, we won’t know till tomorrow where we’re about to truly stand within the top teams. But I’m hoping that we’re able to compete for the top five (chuckles). So, somewhere in that space.”

Hamilton also reflected on the emotional significance of donning the iconic Ferrari red, drawing parallels to previous career-defining moments when he started with McLaren in 2007 and later transitioned to Mercedes in 2013.

“I’m very, very fortunate, and I’ve had this amazing career here in Formula 1. And starting with McLaren here in 2007 was an epic feeling. And then starting with the new team again, with Mercedes, was again, incredibly special.”

“I think this is very reminiscent, probably of my first year. I think for all those years I’ve gone up and down the paddock looking at and seeing the red, the red garage, and now I’m actually in the red garage. So it’s a really nice feeling.”

Transitioning to a new team always comes with challenges, and Hamilton is well aware of the work needed to establish himself within Ferrari’s setup. His approach is centered on fostering strong relationships with the team and ensuring a smooth integration into the new environment.

“Joining a new team, the sooner you can get to performing at the high level and getting results, the better,” he admitted.

“But inevitably, there is a transition period, and there is a foundation that’s needed to be built – that’s what we’ve been doing over the past couple of months.”

“The first half of the season really is kind of that foundation, building those relationships, the trust you’re building with absolutely every single person within the team that you get to work in.”

“And it’s not something you just step into the in the door and trust and respect… While respect is given, trust is something that’s built over time.”

As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, fans will be eager to see if the F1 legend can make history once again and deliver a dream debut victory in Melbourne. With anticipation at an all-time high, the Australian Grand Prix is set to be a spectacle that could define the early narrative of the 2025 season.