Ferrari to use bold '1000 IQ' strategy at Australian GP to give Lewis Hamilton major advantage vs McLaren

Ferrari are planning to use a bold strategy for both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton will make his debut for the Scuderia at Albert Park, which has returned to its previously traditional spot as the host of the season-opening race.

In what could potentially be one of the most exciting seasons of all time, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes are all expected to be competing for the top positions.

Testing data appears to show McLaren have a small advantage over their competition, given they were quickest in race simulations.

But first practice in Melbourne will be the first real indication of who exactly has the fastest car underneath them.

Ferrari, Hamilton and Leclerc will all be hoping that they are the ones at the front of the pack - but the Scuderia reportedly have a bold strategy for the Grand Prix in any case.

Instagram account Formula Data Analysis (@FDataAnalysis_) have spotted that Ferrari are using the most loaded upper DRS plane - in more basic terms, giving them better expected performance in qualifying and better tyre wear.

While, in normal terms, it may put them at a disadvantage in the race due to higher downforce levels, light to heavy rain is expected throughout Sunday and therefore could play right into Ferrari's hands.

Speaking ahead of the Grand Prix, record-equalling seven-time world champion Hamilton expressed his excitement at driving in a Grand Prix for Ferrari for the first time in his 18-year career.

He told reporters in his pre-race press conference on Thursday: "I've been just itching to get going. I guess it's been a long time coming, and to think that this is my first Grand Prix, one of the one of those other firsts with the team, I feel very honoured and grateful to have the opportunity.

"I'm under no assumptions that it will be easy. It's not. But I don't feel the pressure. The outside pressure is non-existent for me. The pressure is with from within, what I want to achieve.

"I know what it takes to do the job, and that's what I want to deliver for myself, my family, for this team that I really believe deserve success."

• Lewis Hamilton Takes Drastic Action at Ferrari Days before United States GP
• Lewis Hamilton Onboard Footage Emerges as FIA Make Singapore GP Penalty Decision
• Lewis Hamilton Addresses Christian Horner Ferrari Links With Worrying Admission
• Lewis Hamilton Calls On FIA to Make Rare Decision as Singapore GP Ends in Chaos