Hamilton’s Ferrari debut at Australian GP plagued by communication issues and strategy mistakes

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Melbourne, Australia — Lewis Hamilton's first race with Ferrari proved to be a challenging and frustrating experience, underscored by communication lapses between the seven-time world champion and his new team. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur emphasized the need for improved radio calls after a disappointing result in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.

Starting from eighth on the grid, Hamilton finished a disheartening 10th place. His race was hampered by an ill-timed switch from slicks to intermediates and extended periods stuck behind Alex Albon's Williams. Miscommunication over the pit-to-car radio further complicated his race.

Hamilton's frustrations were evident as he repeatedly told his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, not to remind him about using the "K1" power setting. He also bristled at advice regarding the timing of gearshifts with the DRS overtaking aid.

In the latter stages of the race, Hamilton briefly led the field by staying out on slick tyres in wet conditions. However, this decision cost him several positions when he eventually made the switch to intermediates, ultimately finishing 10th.

Vasseur acknowledged the communication issues and expressed his intent to enhance the synergy between the pit wall and the car. "It was the first race, the first time that we have to communicate between the pit wall and the car, and we can do a better job and know each other more," Vasseur said. "For sure it was not a clean one at all, the strategy was difficult and we need to find a better way to communicate between the car and the pit wall but we will learn from Race 1 and it is not an issue."

The wet conditions on Sunday contributed to Hamilton's struggles, which Vasseur acknowledged as an expected challenge in his debut race with the team. "It was not a shock but for sure it was not a good weekend for us," Vasseur admitted. "But we focus on next week [the Chinese Grand Prix] and learn a lot from this weekend because we made mistakes."

Hamilton highlighted the issues he faced, particularly a lack of confidence in high-speed corners. While he made progress during practice sessions, the rainy conditions on race day forced him to start from scratch.

"I definitely made a step," Hamilton said. "I think for me, it was just confidence, building the confidence. From the moment I got in the car on Friday, I didn't have the confidence, particularly all the high speed, I was down a huge amount."

Despite the setbacks, Hamilton remains optimistic about the future, noting the valuable lessons learned. "I've learned a huge amount this weekend, there's a lot to take away from it. I've got some changes I've got to make for next week, and I'll see how it goes," he remarked.

Hamilton summed up his experience aptly: "Today was a crash course in driving a Ferrari in the rain."

As the team regroups, both Ferrari and Hamilton aim for a stronger performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, with improved communication high on their agenda.

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