Revved-up Hamilton in ‘most exciting’ time of his life

At 40, the legend of Formula One, Lewis Hamilton, believes he is entering the most exciting period of his life.

Having won a record of seven world titles, six with Mercedes and one in McLaren, the British superstar begins his career in Ferrari this weekend after his high profile change.

“This reminds my first year (in McLaren in 2007),” said Hamilton.

“During all those years I went up and went down the paddock, looking and watching the red garage (from Ferrari), and now I am in the red garage.

“It’s a really pleasant feeling.

“The whole team (in Ferrari) works completely differently.

“You are looking at things from a different perspective, which makes it exciting and challenging.

“This is definitely the most exciting period of my life, so I’m really enjoying it.”

Having left three disappointing seasons, which is not close to matching it with the four -time Max Verstappen defender champion, Hamilton is silently optimistic about what he can achieve in Ferrari.

“The pressure that I have set has always been 10 times greater than any other pressure that can be exerted on me,” he said.

“They have not made me feel any pressure on joining this team.”

The man who replaced Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, is the defending champion in Albert Park after his surprise Victoria last year.

After moving to Williams, Sainz believes that Hamilton is a great opportunity to win in Ferrari.

But Hamilton is still learning about Ferrari’s inheritance, answering a question about the Italian links in Melbourne.

“I really didn’t know that … I haven’t met any Italian here,” he said.

“I have come here for a long time … the Italians are everywhere.

“When coming to Australia, the only other culture I really knew are aborigines.”