Upbeat Hamilton says Ferrari ‘can close the gap’ on McLaren

An upbeat Lewis Hamilton declared Thursday things would be different at the Chinese Grand Prix after a disappointing debut with Ferrari in Melbourne, saying his new team “can close the gap” on McLaren.

The seven-time world champion qualified eighth and finished 10th at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. 

“I’m just going to set the car up a bit different this weekend,” Hamilton told reporters ahead of his second outing in red at the Shanghai International Circuit, where he has won on a record six occasions.

“I think as I get more and more comfortable and more knowledgeable about the car, I can start making more decisions (about its set-up),” he added.

“I’m having those discussions and going to lean a little bit more with adding my experience.”

Hamilton’s former Mercedes team-mate George Russell told reporters that McLaren, whose Lando Norris won in Australia, were quick enough to win every race.

But Hamilton cautioned: “It has only been one race. Yes, McLaren has done a great job and they’re looking very strong. 

“We’re still just taking the time to learn the car and to be able to extract more from it. 

“We definitely have work to do, I don’t think we’re on the pace of the McLarens, but I think we can close the gap.”

Hamilton conceded it had been a poor weekend for Ferrari in Melbourne, where the team strategists gambled and lost on leaving him out on slick tyres when he was leading as rain returned.

“I mean, it wasn’t the race that we wanted but it’s not a moment to throw the toys out the pram,” said Hamilton. 

Teammate Charles Leclerc was eighth, meaning Ferrari’s dismal five points from the race was their worst season-opening performance since 2009.

“It is what it is. One small thing could have made a big difference in our result, but yeah, we move forward,” said Hamilton.

“Everyone’s still motivated. You got everyone here with their heads high, the energy is still good in the garage. 

“We’re not going to be defined by that one race.”