F1 Imola Grand Prix: Hamilton admits he underestimated Ferrari challenge

Lewis Hamilton admitted Thursday that he had underestimated how difficult it would be for him to adapt to life with Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes.

The 40-year-old seven-time world champion won six of his championships with the ‘silver arrows’ before his sensational exit last year.

“I anticipated it would be very tough because I’ve joined a team before and I came in with a really open mind.

“I just didn’t know how tough it was going to be,” he admitted at Imola ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

“I knew it was going to be challenging and it’s as challenging as it could ever be on all fronts.”

After six races this year, he is still seeking a first podium finish in a Grand Prix and is seventh in the drivers’ title race behind Kimi Antonelli, the Italian teenager who replaced him at Mercedes.

Hamilton cut a low-key figure on arrival in the paddock at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, the team’s home circuit, and conceded that “there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done” if he is to revive his form.

“The championship?” he said. “There’s still a long, long way to go. From all my years of experience, when you’re over 100 points behind at this point in the season, with a car that’s up against a car (McLaren) that is dominant, you have to assume that you’re not necessarily fighting for a championship win.

“But things can turn around.”

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Ferrari plans to add an upgrade package to its car this weekend, with a major one expected in Spain in two weeks, but Hamilton said he is unsure of their value or potential.

“At the moment, we don’t know, but we want to get closer and we can’t shut the door on any ideas. We have to keep our eyes and our heads up and stay vigilant.

“We have to push with the expectation and goal of winning, finding the tenths to turn things around. You have to believe it.”