Hamilton: I definitely didn't know that we'd be eight-tenths off

The seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton was refreshingly honest after his qualifying as a Ferrari driver, saying he's still not dialled into the Scuderia's team operations just yet - even if rain forecasted for Sunday's race could bring him back into contention.

Hamilton told reporters in Melbourne: "Definitely. Charles has been in this team for seven years, he knows this car in and out - not necessarily the new one, but the general characteristics of our cars - and all the tools and everything.

"I'm still learning those so to be that close in my first qualifying session I'll definitely take it. We'll just get our heads down and start working trying to find out why we're not on pace with the front-runners," ventured Hamilton.

Hamilton added: "I generally feel good. I had a really good time out there today. Everything has been a first this weekend. My first practice sessions with Ferrari, my first qualifying. It's been a lot of work to really adapt, this car is so much different here to what I've experienced in the past. But it's been interesting.

"I definitely didn't know that we'd be eight-tenths off today, but there is a lot to dissect for sure. Tomorrow's going to be a challenge, I've never driven this car in the rain. I don't even know the rain settings so I've got to go and study that tonight and it'll be a learning experience again."

Melbourne is expecting contrasting weather conditions on Sunday, with an overcast warm morning giving way to a cool change in the late morning - and a very high chance of showers. Hamilton will be making his 257th Grand Prix start, his first for Ferrari.

Lando Norris set a searing final qualifying lap to secure pole position for the race, his first at Melbourne's Albert Park, and milestone 10th overall, in front of his teammate Oscar Piastri, and a record Saturday crowd of 136,347 at Albert Park.