Following the controversial climax to the 2021 season at Yas Marina, Mercedes have fallen behind rivals Crimson Bull, McLaren and Ferrari within the constructors’ standings.
In Qatar final week, Hamilton commented that he was “definitely not fast any more” after a disappointing efficiency in dash qualifying.
He did finish his winless drought with a stunning victory on home soil at Silverstone in July, however it was 10 races in earlier than he stood on the rostrum with a third-place end in Barcelona.
The shock announcement that Hamilton could be switching to the Italian group subsequent yr was made earlier than the beginning of the season, with the Briton describing his first assembly afterwards with group principal Toto Wolff as “awkward”.
“Finally I anticipated it might be troublesome however massively underestimated how troublesome it might be,” he added.
“Realising these are the final moments with the group, it is exhausting to explain the sensation – not the best in fact.”
Nonetheless, he says there may be a lot to sit up for as he embarks on a brand new chapter with the Scuderia.
“It is a dream state of affairs for any driver [joining Ferrari],” Hamilton stated. “Nevertheless it’s not a simple step to affix a brand new group, it takes time to construct relationships and be taught the instruments.”
Hamilton is seventh within the drivers’ championship, 24 factors behind team-mate George Russell in sixth, and stated of this weekend: “Lately will probably be tremendous emotional.”
