Lewis Hamilton had a tough opening day at the Albert Park Circuit (Image: Getty)
has described the SF-25 as ‘so much different’ to his previous experiences driving around the Albert Park Circuit. The veteran Brit explained that he needs time to adapt his driving style after a challenging opening day at the . Hamilton was 12th fastest in FP1 with a quickest lap time six-tenths behind colleague Charles Leclerc.
The gap reduced to four-tenths in FP2 as Hamilton improved to finish fifth in the running order, albeit with his team-mate at the top of the timing screens. The 40-year-old even caused concern for some fans when he reported to new race engineer Riccardo Adami that he was “struggling to turn the car”. However, these comments are a natural part of practice sessions, particularly when a driver is adapting to new machinery.
Speaking to the media after his first two practice sessions in red, Hamilton explained: “Firstly, it has been a super exciting build-up to this week, and it felt amazing to get out there and be in a here.
“Honestly, the car felt so much different to anything I’ve ever experienced coming to this track, so it took a little bit of bedding in through P1. P2 was definitely a little better, just building, but yeah, we’re slowly building and a little bit getting faster, bit by bit.”
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Asked if his “different” comments were positive or negative, Hamilton continued: “Just different. Just a lot different. But the car doesn’t feel bad or anything, it just requires a different way of driving. So [I am] adjusting my driving style bit by bit, but enjoying driving.”
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