Despite limited running due to inclement weather, Lewis Hamilton felt the first day of practice of the new Formula 1 season around the Albert Park circuit in Australia was a good one for the reigning World Champion.
Hamilton was fastest in both free practice sessions in his Mercedes AMG PETRONAS W07, and the British driver felt that he was lucky to be able to drive a few laps during the opening session with the dry Pirelli tyres when the track was at its best, just before the rain fell once more.
He delayed his appearance in second practice to once again try and get the best of the conditions, and only completed seven laps but was able to set the fastest time once more on the Intermediate tyres.
“That was a good day,” reflected Hamilton. “The car performed well and although we didn’t get a huge number of laps in, they were still quite constructive sessions.
“I was lucky to get a couple of dry laps to get a tiny feeling for what the balance is like around here, which was down to some good work from the team to time my runs right. Generally, though, I’m just excited to be here and to get back in the car.
“When I was sitting in the garage, I felt like a kid waiting to open his presents at Christmas. Hopefully it’ll be a dry day tomorrow so we can get plenty of laps in and give something back to the fans who have braved the weather today.”
