Lewis Hamilton left baffled after being almost 1 second off the pace at Australian GP

Lewis Hamilton was caught off-guard after finishing far behind pole sitter Lando Norris during Australian GP Qualifying.

Lewis Hamilton left baffled after being almost 1 second off the pace at Australian GP

Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)

Lewis Hamilton finally made his long-awaited debut for Scuderia Ferrari at the Australian GP this weekend. The seven-time world champion was hoping to make a mark for the Italian team from the get go. However, things have gone as planned for Hamilton. The British driver has expressed his surprise after Qualifying.

The F1 star qualified in eighth place for Ferrari. Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc narrowly edged him out during the session. However, Qualifying as a whole for a bad outing for the Scuderia after being far off the pace compared to McLaren and Max Verstappen.

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Nevertheless, Lewis Hamilton claimed that he was generally feeling positive when he was driving the SF-25 during Qualifying. The Briton confessed that he has been working hard to try and adapt himself to Ferrari machinery. Moreover, Hamilton admitted that he was shocked to find himself almost a second off the pace compared to pole sitter Lando Norris.

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I generally feel good. It’s been a lot of work to adapt to this car, it’s a lot different to what I’ve had in the past. I didn’t expect to be 8 or 9 tenths off today.

Lewis Hamilton said

The Scuderia were looking confident ahead of the Australian GP. Hamilton had claimed that he was feeling incredible to be working at the Italian team. However, it seems that there is still some work to do back at Maranello to get more pace out of the SF-25.

Lewis Hamilton embraces for rain at Australian GP

Things will only get more challenging for drivers on Sunday. Rain is expected to hamper the race, making the situation even more tricky. Max Verstappen has already warned that things could take a crazy turn due to the slippery track conditions at Albert Park. Now, Lewis Hamilton has mentioned that he is also aware of how this can impact the race.

Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari garage (via Scuderia Ferrari)

The seven-time world champion highlighted that he had never driven the SF-25 in wet conditions. As such, Hamilton revealed that he was going to work with his team overnight. The Briton will learn the various wet weather settings in order to maximize his pace on Sunday.

I’ve never driven this car in the rain. So, I am going to go away tonight and learn (about the rain settings).

Lewis Hamilton noted

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton has been caught off-guard after not even breaking into the Top 5. However, the 40-year-old is not in a state of panic, courtesy of his vast experience in Formula 1. Moreover, Ferrari will be working round the clock with both its drivers to prepare for all wet weather scenarios for Sunday. As such, the Tifosi can expect the seven-time world champion to bounce back stronger during the Grand Prix.