Lewis Hamilton's excitement for first Ferrari race reflects 2007 F1 debut

Dominika Jordan
Mar 5, 2025, 11:42 AM ET

Lewis Hamilton’s excitement for first Ferrari race in Australia mirrors his 2007 McLaren debut.

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

As the Formula 1 season opener in Australia approaches, Lewis Hamilton is experiencing a sense of nostalgia and excitement reminiscent of his 2007 debut for McLaren in Melbourne.

The seven-time world champion, who now drives for Ferrari, shared his thoughts at a Ferrari partner Puma event on Tuesday night.

Hamilton, who holds the record for 105 grand prix victories and 202 podiums, expressed his eager anticipation ahead of the race. "It has been a long winter, but it has also been very short. But I'm really grateful we had good testing last week," the 40-year-old Brit stated.

"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 illustrious career includes a stunning rookie debut in 2007, where he finished third in his first race for McLaren. He continued to impress by securing podium finishes in his first nine races, including two victories, and ended the season as the runner-up to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen. The following year, Hamilton clinched his first world championship title.

Reflecting on his new chapter with Ferrari, Hamilton admitted he still couldn't believe his fortune. "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 shared.

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

Hamilton's bid for an eighth world title with Ferrari has generated immense buzz, and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting his performance in Melbourne. As he embarks on this new journey with the sport's most glamorous team, the echoes of his 2007 debut add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.