Lewis Hamilton says he has struggled with his emotions during his final year at Mercedes
After a controversial climax to the 2021 season at Yas Marina, Mercedes has fallen behind rivals Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
Last week in Qatar, Hamilton commented that he was “definitely not fast anymore” after a disappointing performance in sprint qualifying.
He ended his win drought with a spectacular win on home soil at Silverstone in July, but it took 10 races before he reached the podium with a third place in Barcelona.
Hamilton’s surprise announcement of joining the Italian team next year was made before the start of the season, with the Briton describing his first meeting with team principal Toto Wolff as “awkward”.
He added, “Ultimately I anticipated it would be difficult, but I greatly underestimated how difficult it would be.”
“Realizing that these are the last moments with the team, it’s hard to describe that feeling – certainly not the greatest.”
However, he says there is a lot to look forward to as he begins a new chapter with the Scuderia.
“It’s a dream scenario for any driver (to join Ferrari),” Hamilton said. “But joining a new team is not an easy step, it takes time to build relationships and learn the tools.”
Hamilton is seventh in the drivers’ championship, 24 points behind sixth-placed teammate George Russell, and said of the weekend: “These days will be extremely emotional.”
