Lewis Hamilton is navigating a tough start with Ferrari, confessing he’s unfamiliar with the rain settings for the SF-25.

The seven-time world champion secured eighth place in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, finishing just behind his new teammate, Charles Leclerc.

Ferrari had hoped to challenge McLaren for pole position at Albert Park, but both cars ended up on the fourth row of the grid, trailing Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon, leaving the team disappointed.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hamilton shared, “I generally feel good. Yeah, I had a really good time out there. Everything has been a first this weekend—my first P1 with Ferrari, my first practice sessions and qualifying. It’s been a lot of work to adapt to this car, which is so different from what I’ve experienced before.”

He added, “But it’s been interesting. I definitely didn’t expect us to be… I didn’t know we’d be nine-tenths off, or eight-tenths off today, but there’s a lot to analyze for sure.”

Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton said, “We’ll just get our heads down and start working to try and figure out why we’re not on pace with the frontrunners. Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. I’ve never even driven this car in the rain. I don’t even know the rain settings, so I’ve got to study that tonight, and it’ll be another learning experience tomorrow.”

Despite the challenges, Hamilton avoided major issues, staying clear of the elimination zone even after spinning at the end of his final Q2 lap. He was close to Leclerc in Q3, but Sunday’s race promises to be a tougher test.

Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari has been described as having “all the hallmarks of a fairytale,” with expectations soaring as he prepares for his Melbourne debut in the iconic red.

Sky F1 pundit Bernie Collins believes that Hamilton’s late-career switch could breathe new life into the seven-time World Champion, potentially ushering in “Lewis 2.0” on the Formula 1 grid.

Can Ferrari Unlock ‘Lewis 2.0’ in 2025?

Collins, a former Aston Martin head of strategy, admits she was taken aback when she first heard about Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after 12 seasons and six world titles. However, a year later, that initial shock has transformed into excitement about what the sport’s most successful driver can achieve alongside his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, at Ferrari.

“This time last year I was shocked, but the more I’ve seen Lewis in red, the more I’ve seen his excitement at being in that car, he’s like a revitalised Lewis,” Collins told PlanetF1.com.

She highlighted that Hamilton has always thrived when faced with a challenge, a sentiment echoed by her partner, Ryan McGarva, who previously worked with Hamilton at Mercedes. “My other half [Ryan McGarva] worked with Lewis for a little while [at Mercedes] and tells me Lewis always did well in a year where he was challenged and up for it.”

Collins believes that Ferrari itself, as well as the battle against Leclerc, will be major tests for Hamilton. “Ferrari is going to be a challenge, beating Leclerc is going to be a challenge. So I think we’re going to see Lewis 2.0.”

Embracing the Ferrari Project

Since officially joining Ferrari and reuniting with team principal Fred Vasseur—who was instrumental in Hamilton’s early single-seater career—the Brit has fully immersed himself in his new environment.

Hamilton set up his motorhome close to Fiorano, Ferrari’s private racetrack, and even started learning Italian. Driving a Scuderia Ferrari car for the first time was, in his own words, “one of the best feelings” of his life.

“I don’t have the words to really explain just how excited I am,” Hamilton shared in a BBC interview. “I’m embarking on something brand new for me and something I didn’t think would happen when I turned 40.”

The magnitude of the moment hasn’t been lost on the F1 legend. “I’m still like pinching myself. I’m going to be starting a grand prix in red. I mean, wow.”

The Challenge Ahead

Ever since news of Hamilton’s move broke in February last year, the impact has been felt across the F1 world. With the most successful and influential driver in history now part of its most legendary team, expectations are sky-high.

Collins believes that Hamilton’s drive to compete has been reignited after several frustrating seasons at Mercedes. “I think we’re going to see a step up from the last three years where he’s been a bit upset that Mercedes weren’t going to turn things around.”

Since losing the 2021 title, Hamilton has not been in direct contention for a championship, but Collins predicts that is about to change. “Now we’re going to see Lewis fighting. It has all the hallmarks of a fairytale.”

The Key Battles for Hamilton

Currently, Hamilton is ranked fourth in the Drivers’ ante-post betting odds, behind Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and his new teammate, Leclerc.

Collins identifies a crucial challenge for Hamilton: “The big question is can he beat Leclerc in qualifying? Can he have the upper hand in the race? Qualifying is going to be Lewis’ challenge.”

She believes that a strong start could set the tone for his season. “If he can come out rolling in the first few races it’s going to be exciting. If he gets a taste of it in the first few races he’s going to be pretty hard to stop.”

As the engines prepare to roar for the new Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen has stepped forward with a bold response to growing concerns about Red Bull’s competitiveness.

With questions swirling from both fans and analysts, the reigning champion has not shied away from addressing the team’s struggles head-on.

As the 2025 season looms, Verstappen’s confidence in Red Bull’s ability to challenge its rivals is under scrutiny, igniting fresh debates among F1 enthusiasts.

His candid remarks offer insight into the immense pressure and expectations that come with being at the forefront of the sport.

Verstappen’s Honest Take on Red Bull’s Capabilities

With the start of the 2025 season fast approaching, Verstappen has openly discussed his concerns about Red Bull’s performance trajectory.

Even after clinching his fourth championship in 2024, he remains uncertain about whether the team can maintain its competitive edge in the title race this year.

Speaking to reporters, Verstappen admitted with candor that he is skeptical about whether the RB21 will meet expectations during pre-season testing.

Internal challenges including the loss of key personnel and significant car modifications have raised alarms about the team’s ability to maintain its dominance on the track.

Internal Challenges and Performance Woes

Red Bull’s internal situation has been far from stable, with ongoing investigations and underwhelming test results contributing to uncertainty.

Technical director Pierre Wache acknowledged that the team encountered setbacks during pre-season testing in Bahrain, stating that these challenges have negatively impacted preparations for the opening race in Melbourne. Verstappen expressed his disappointment, saying he had expected “greater improvements,” highlighting his concern that Red Bull may not be in a strong enough position to effectively challenge its rivals.

With teams like McLaren making impressive strides, Verstappen’s worries only grow, questioning whether Red Bull can recover in time to remain competitive.

A Cautious Yet Determined Outlook

Despite the evident hurdles, Verstappen remains cautiously optimistic about his future with Red Bull.

In a sport where performance is everything, he understands the mounting pressure on both himself and the team.

Acknowledging the need for stability, he emphasized the importance of “consistency and improvement” in the team’s operations to keep their championship ambitions alive. Meanwhile, McLaren’s strong pre-season performance has turned heads, raising the crucial question: can Red Bull fight back? The answer may not only shape Verstappen’s legacy but also redefine the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

As the 2025 season kicks off, Verstappen finds himself at the center of speculation surrounding Red Bull’s ability to compete at the highest level.

Though concerns persist regarding the team’s preparation and the adaptation to their new car model, he remains steadfast in his belief that they can rebound from the difficulties of 2024.

His recent remarks underline his enduring confidence and resilience.

Verstappen’s firm assertion that Red Bull still holds “the potential to deliver a competitive edge this season” reaffirms his commitment to the team. Recognizing the internal and external pressures they face, he stresses the “necessity for improvement” while rallying behind his teammates. In doing so, he not only demonstrates his leadership but also reinforces the determined spirit within the Red Bull Racing camp.