Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut with Scuderia Ferrari at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix did not go as planned. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, who switched from Mercedes to Ferrari in one of the biggest moves in recent F1 history, faced a tough race weekend in Melbourne, finishing in a disappointing 10th place.

From pre-season expectations to race-day struggles, Hamilton’s first outing in red proved to be a baptism of fire. After the race, he reflected on what he called a “missed opportunity,” admitting that the experience was far more difficult than he had anticipated.

High Hopes Before the Race

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari created a huge buzz among fans and analysts alike. His decision to leave Mercedes, the team that helped him secure six of his seven world titles, was a bold move fueled by a desire for a new challenge. With Ferrari showing promising signs of improvement in recent years, many believed that Hamilton could be the missing piece in their championship puzzle.

During pre-season testing, Lewis Hamilton spoke positively about his experience working with Ferrari’s engineers and adapting to the SF-25, Ferrari’s new challenger for 2025. However, he also acknowledged that transitioning to a new team would come with difficulties, particularly in getting used to Ferrari’s unique car setup and operational style.

Going into the Australian Grand Prix, expectations were high. The Albert Park Circuit is a track where Hamilton has historically performed well, and many hoped for a strong debut performance.

A Difficult Qualifying Session

Hamilton’s first competitive session with Ferrari was a mixed bag. While he made it to Q3, he was unable to challenge the front-runners and qualified in 8th place. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, managed 7th on the grid, indicating that Ferrari was slightly off the pace compared to rivals like Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes.

McLaren’s Lando Norris secured pole position, with Oscar Piastri joining him on the front row, setting the stage for what would be a dramatic season opener. Meanwhile, defending champion Max Verstappen lined up in third, with George Russell in fourth, highlighting the fierce competition Hamilton was up against.

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Race Day Chaos and Ferrari’s Strategic Missteps

The Australian Grand Prix began under challenging conditions, with light rain making track conditions tricky. The race got off to a chaotic start when rookie Isack Hadjar crashed during the formation lap, causing a delay. Once the race was underway, it became clear that Ferrari’s strategy would play a crucial role in determining Hamilton’s final result.

Hamilton started cautiously, avoiding early incidents but struggling to find a rhythm. The damp track conditions made tire management essential, and teams faced a difficult decision about when to switch from intermediate tires to slicks.

At one stage, Ferrari’s strategy briefly put Hamilton in a competitive position. When some drivers pitted early for slick tires, Ferrari kept Hamilton and Leclerc out longer on intermediates, hoping for an advantage if conditions worsened. However, this gamble backfired when the rain returned, forcing both Ferrari drivers to pit late and lose valuable track position.

Hamilton’s Frustrations on the Radio

Throughout the race, Hamilton’s radio messages revealed his frustration. Adapting to Ferrari’s communication style and car settings in race conditions proved to be a challenge. At one point, Hamilton was heard saying, “Just leave me to it,” as he grew increasingly irritated with the team’s instructions.

After the race, he admitted that the car felt unpredictable and difficult to control.

“It was really difficult and went much worse than I anticipated.". The car was really hard to drive today. I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”

The seven-time champion also mentioned the challenges of adjusting to Ferrari’s different power unit and steering settings.

“There are so many different things to get used to, from the way the power unit responds to how the settings work on the steering wheel. It’s going to take time to adapt, especially in tricky conditions like today.”

A Disappointing Finish

As the race progressed, Hamilton struggled to make significant progress. Ferrari’s late pit stop meant that he rejoined the race outside the points, forcing him to battle his way back into the top 10. While he managed to salvage a single point by finishing 10th, it was far from the result he and the team had hoped for.

Meanwhile, Lando Norris took a commanding victory for McLaren, with Verstappen finishing second and George Russell securing third for Mercedes. Ferrari’s other driver, Charles Leclerc, finished just ahead of Hamilton in 9th, marking a tough start to the season for the Scuderia.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, Hamilton remains optimistic about the season ahead. He acknowledged that there is a steep learning curve when joining a new team and that improvements will come with time.

“It’s only the first race, and we have a lot to learn. I know what I need to work on, and we’ll be pushing hard to improve in the next races.”

Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur also defended Hamilton, emphasizing that the conditions were exceptionally tough and that the team is confident he will find his form in the upcoming rounds.

“It wasn’t the easiest race for us, but we know what Lewis is capable of. We just need to fine-tune our approach and make sure we put him in a stronger position going forward.”

What’s Next for Hamilton and Ferrari?

The next race on the calendar is the Chinese Grand Prix, where Ferrari will have another chance to showcase their progress. With more time to analyze data and fine-tune their approach, the team will be looking to bounce back from their challenging start.

For Hamilton, adapting to Ferrari’s unique car characteristics and race strategies will be key to improving his performance. If history has shown anything, it’s that Hamilton has the ability to learn quickly and come back stronger after difficult races.

While his Ferrari debut didn’t go as planned, it’s far too early to count him out. The 2025 season is just beginning, and there’s still plenty of time for Hamilton and Ferrari to turn things around.

Final Thoughts

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut was a stark reminder of how unpredictable Formula 1 can be. Despite his immense talent and experience, moving to a new team always comes with challenges. The Australian Grand Prix may have been a missed opportunity, but it also provided valuable lessons that could help shape the rest of his season.

With 22 races remaining, Ferrari and Hamilton have ample opportunity to recover and fight for podiums and victories. His first race in red may not have gone as expected, but knowing Hamilton’s determination, it won’t be long before he finds his footing and starts challenging at the front once again.