Lewis Hamilton gears up for Ferrari debut in Australia: 'Excited to get going'

Lewis Hamilton is experiencing a familiar sense of anticipation ahead of his Ferrari debut in Melbourne next week, likening it to the emotions he felt before his first-ever Formula 1 race with McLaren in 2007.

The seven-time world champion, who holds a record-breaking 105 grand prix victories and 202 podiums, shared his excitement during a Ferrari partner event hosted by Puma.

"It's been a long winter, but it's also been very short. But I'm really grateful we had good testing last week," said the 40-year-old Briton, acknowledging the swift transition into the 2024 season.

"I can't believe the race is already next week... it'll start to sink in a little bit as the weekend arrives. And I feel excited. I feel we are as best prepared as we could be, given the short space of time that I have had. There's still things to learn, but I'm just excited to get going. I love racing... being at Melbourne is going to be very reminiscent of my first grand prix there."

Hamilton’s remarkable debut season in 2007 saw him finish third in Australia before securing nine consecutive podiums, including two victories, and ultimately finishing runner-up to Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in the title fight. He went on to claim his first championship the following year.

As he prepares to compete in Ferrari red, Hamilton admitted the moment still feels surreal.

"Next week when I get to the race, I'm going to be starting a grand prix in red. Like, wow... I don't have the words to really explain just how excited I am," he said.

"I'm trying to just stay cool and calm, but for sure, arriving in red (at Melbourne) is going to be cool."

Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari has already dominated headlines, and as the season opener approaches, the motorsport world is eager to see if he can add to his legendary legacy with the Scuderia.

SportsLigue