Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari debut: ‘I am not here to prove anything to anybody’ at Australian Grand Prix

After an impressive 12 years racing for Mercedes in Formula 1, British driver Lewis Hamilton is about to begin a new chapter. He’s signed a long-term contract with the famous Italian team Ferrari and will race in their iconic red colors for the first time at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has created a huge buzz. Fans are excited, and there’s a lot of talk about the sport’s most successful driver joining one of its most legendary teams. But with all the excitement, there’s also pressure on Hamilton to perform.

When asked about this pressure at a press conference on Thursday, Hamilton seemed calm and confident.

“I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone by being here,” Hamilton stated. “I’ve shown what I can do many times throughout my career. I know what it takes to do well, and that’s what I want to do – for myself, for my family, and for this Ferrari team. I really believe they deserve to be successful.”

Hamilton added that he’s still getting used to his new team and car. “This Ferrari car is quite different from what I’ve been driving all these years with Mercedes,” Hamilton explained. “The Ferrari engine, after racing with Mercedes engines my whole career, feels and sounds different.”