Lewis sees light at end of tunnel

LEWIS Hamilton has described his first season at Ferrari as “volatile” and an “emotional rollercoaster” ahead of his Italian Grand Prix debut in red.

- By PHILIP DUNCAN

Hamilton heads into this weekend’s race in Ferrari’s backyard a week after he crashed out in Zandvoort and is still awaiting his first podium for the Scuderia.

The 40-year-old’s hopes of a strong result at Monza’s Temple of Speed have also been hit after he received a five-place grid penalty for a yellow flag infringement prior to last Sunday’s race.

Hamilton is 42 points behind Charles Leclerc in the world championship and has been out-qualified by his teammate ten times so far - and beaten him in only two of the 15 races - since he made the switch from Mercedes to the Italian giants.

“It's been an emotional roller-coaster,’ said Hamilton. “What can I really say? Did I expect it to be as volatile in terms of the feeling? No, but that's life.