Life At Ferrari Tougher Than I Thought: Lewis

Languishing in 7th, Hamilton says "there's still a lot of work that needs to be done"

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IMOLA - Lewis Hamilton admitted on May 15 that he had underestimated how difficult it would be for him to adapt to being at Ferrari after 12 years with Mercedes.

The 40-year-old seven-time Formula One world champion won six of his championships with the Silver Arrows before his sensational exit in 2024.

"I anticipated it would be very tough because I've joined a team before and I came in with a really open mind," he admitted at Imola, ahead of this weekend's Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

"I just didn't know how tough it was going to be. 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 season, 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.