Following the controversial climax to the 2021 season at Yas Marina, Mercedes have fallen behind rivals Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
In Qatar last week, Hamilton commented that he was “definitely not fast any more” after a disappointing performance in sprint qualifying.
He did end his winless drought with a stunning victory on home soil at Silverstone in July, but it was 10 races in before he stood on the podium with a third-place finish in Barcelona.
The shock announcement that Hamilton would be switching to the Italian team next year was made before the start of the season, with the Briton describing his first meeting afterwards with team principal Toto Wolff as “awkward”.
“Ultimately I anticipated it would be difficult but massively underestimated how difficult it would be,” he added.
“Realising these are the last moments with the team, it’s hard to describe the feeling – not the greatest of course.”
However, he says there is much to look forward to as he embarks on a new chapter with the Scuderia.
“It’s a dream scenario for any driver [joining Ferrari],” Hamilton said. “But it’s not an easy step to join a new team, it takes time to build relationships and learn the tools.”
Hamilton is seventh in the drivers’ championship, 24 points behind team-mate George Russell in sixth, and said of this weekend: “These days will be super emotional.”
