admits have a “lot to dissect” however remained upbeat after a disappointing first qualifying session for Ferrari on the .
In sizzling circumstances on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne, McLaren’s tag because the favourites this season bore fruit as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri , with the Brit pipping his Aussie teammate.
But for Ferrari, anticipated to be second-quickest, it was an underwhelming session, with seventh and Hamilton eighth on the leaderboard. Each will surprisingly begin behind Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda (fifth) and Alex Albon (sixth) tomorrow.
Hamilton additionally skilled a spin on the finish of Q2 however regardless of a tough session, the 40-year-old was optimistic within the media pen afterwards, although implied the near-second hole to Norris was regarding.
“I usually really feel good, I had a extremely good time on the market right now,” Hamilton mentioned.
“Every part has been a primary this weekend, first apply classes and qualifying.
“It’s been loads of work to adapt to this automotive, there’s a lot that’s totally different right here to what I’ve skilled previously.
“I didn’t know we’d be nine-tenths off [pole] right now, so loads of dissect.”
Pressed additional on being two-tenths of a second off skilled Ferrari driver Leclerc, Hamilton replied: “Given Charles has been on this crew for seven years, he is aware of this automotive out and in, I’m nonetheless studying these instruments.
“To be that shut in my first qualifying session, I’ll positively take it.
“We’ll get our heads down and attempt to discover out why we’re not on tempo with the frontrunners.
Rain is anticipated on Sunday, circumstances Hamilton enjoys, as he appears to make his method up the sector at Albert Park.
“Tomorrow will probably be a problem,” Hamilton mentioned. “I’ve by no means pushed this automotive within the rain.
“I don’t even know the rain setting so I’ve acquired to go and examine that tonight and it will likely be a studying expertise once more tomorrow.”
Max Verstappen, the defending and four-time world champion, will begin third on the grid after a formidable displaying for Pink Bull, with Mercedes’ George Russell (Hamilton’s outdated teammate) beginning in fourth.
Sunday’s grand prix begins at 4am (GMT), 3pm native time in Melbourne.
