Hamilton Gears Up For A Rainy Challenge In Ferrari Debut At Australian GP

Lewis Hamilton is in for a crash course on Ferrari’s wet-weather settings as rain looms over Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, making his much-anticipated debut for Ferrari, admits he’s never driven the car in the rain and will be burning the midnight oil to prepare.

“I don’t even know the rain settings, so I’ve got to go and study that tonight,” Hamilton revealed after qualifying eighth at Albert Park. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, starts just ahead in seventh, while McLaren’s Lando Norris secured pole, followed by teammate Oscar Piastri.

Ferrari struggled in the scorching heat during qualifying, but the forecasted rain could play to their advantage, potentially helping them close the gap to the frontrunners. Despite being nearly nine-tenths off Norris’s pace, Hamilton remained upbeat about his first qualifying session with the Italian team.

“I had a really good time out there today. Everything’s been a first this weekend,” he said. “To be that close in my first qualifying session, I’d definitely take it. Now, we’ll just work on finding the pace.”

Leclerc, however, was less optimistic, admitting Ferrari’s balance issues held them back. “The lap wasn’t great… We just didn’t have the pace today,” he said.

With unpredictable weather ahead, Hamilton and Ferrari face a steep learning curve. But if anyone thrives under pressure, it’s the man with seven titles to his name.