Lewis Hamilton makes complaint after nightmare Ferrari debut at Australian Grand Prix

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Lewis Hamilton toils at Australian Grand Prix

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 16/03/2025

- 07:12

The Briton could only finish 10th on Sunday

Lewis Hamilton has already started complaining about his Ferrari car, admitting that it was 'really hard' to drive as he finished 10th at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

All eyes were on the veteran, with fans eager to see if he'd shine on his first outing for his new side.


However, Hamilton toiled Down Under with the Briton only able to finish 10th - securing just a point in the process.

Now, speaking after the big event, the F1 legend has reflected on the proceedings and admitted that he struggled to get to grips with his car.

Lewis Hamilton Australian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has already started complaining about his Ferrari car, admitting that it was 'really hard' to drive as he finished 10th at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday

SKY

"It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go," he said.

"The car was really, really hard to drive today.

"For me, I'm just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that's where it wanted to go most of the time.

"A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.

JUST IN: Jack Draper left emotional after beating Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells - 'A huge feeling'

"The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.

"I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out."

Sky Sports' Karun Chandhok has reacted to Hamilton's first race with Ferrari.

He provided his verdict by saying: "They took a risk, thought the shower would be short and the drivers could survive and when the rain stopped they would be fine but as it transpired that wasn't the case.

READ MORE:Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur 'annoyed' by radio message to Lewis Hamilton during Australian GP qualifying

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton struggled in tough conditions at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday

REUTERS

"Lewis came on the radio and said it was too dangerous, we have to top.

"They underestimated how much water there would be on the track and went way down the order. Disappointing for them.

"Lewis Hamilton has not gone to Ferrari for one point. He would be OK with it."

Meanwhile, though it was a tough day for Hamilton, it was a memorable one for Norris.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

The McLaren star pushed Max Verstappen all the way last term but is already ahead of his rival this time around.

And Norris, while admitting the race was stressful, admitted he was pleased with the result.

"Tough race! Especially with Max behind me," he said. "I was pushing, especially the last two laps. A little bit stressful, I won't like. But an amazing way to start the year.

"A tough one because we went off, went through the gravel, got damage, just tricky conditions but these ones are enjoyable, fun and unpredictable but this time we got it right and ended up on top.

Lewis Hamilton Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton finished below Charles Leclerc on his Ferrari debut at the Australian Grand Prix

REUTERS

"We got it wrong a lot last year, so we learned from our mistakes. We lost out at Silverstone and Canada through a race like this.

"It's only the first round of 24, so dealing with the pressure, dealing with Max, dealing with Oscar [Piastri], I was pushing the whole way through.

"A tough one, so to not make overly too many mistakes or a mistake that cost me anything, I can take a bit of credit for that.

"A tough but a challenging race. But for McLaren I need to give them a big thanks because they have given me an amazing car."