In the lead-up to the Australian Grand Prix, former Formula 1 driver and current commentator Martin Brundle expressed concerns regarding Lewis Hamilton’s debut performance with Ferrari. During the first practice session (FP1), Hamilton finished 12th, trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured the third spot. Brundle observed that Hamilton exited the garage with his helmet still on—a gesture he interpreted as a sign of frustration. Reflecting on his own experiences, Brundle commented, “What alarmed me a little bit was that Lewis came out the back of the garage wearing his crash helmet, which I never think is a good sign, having done that myself as well.”
Hamilton’s radio communications during FP1 further highlighted his struggles with the new car. He reported difficulties in handling, specifically mentioning, “I’m struggling to turn the car.” This admission underscored the challenges he faced in adapting to Ferrari’s machinery, contrasting with his previous tenure at Mercedes.
Despite these initial setbacks, Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, remained optimistic about Hamilton’s integration into the team. Vasseur emphasized that the primary goal was for Hamilton to familiarize himself with the team’s processes and systems, rather than immediate speed. He stated, “The target is for him to know everybody in the team, to discover the software, the process, the system.” Vasseur expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to adapt and perform at a high level in due course.
Brundle, however, appeared to disagree with Vasseur’s assessment, interpreting Hamilton’s demeanor as indicative of deeper concerns. He suggested that Hamilton’s actions post-session were not merely about acclimatization but reflected genuine frustration with the car’s performance. Brundle remarked, “I think he’ll be a little bit frustrated with that first session. He looked pretty good early on, but it depends if he had some issues, we’ll find out later.”
As the season progresses, the dynamics between Hamilton and Ferrari will be closely scrutinized. While team leadership projects confidence in Hamilton’s eventual success, seasoned observers like Brundle remain cautious, interpreting early signs as potential indicators of underlying challenges. The upcoming races will be pivotal in determining whether Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari will yield the anticipated successes or if the partnership will require further adjustments to achieve optimal performance.
