Hamilton 'massively under-estimated' how hard his long goodbye would be

6/12/2024 17:09

Lewis Hamilton has admitted he 'massively underestimated' how hard his long goodbye to Mercedes would be ahead of an emotional final race for the team in

Abu Dhabi this weekend. The 39-year-old seven-times world champion stunned Formula One in February when he announced he was leaving Mercedes, who have supported him since his days in go-karting, for Ferrari at the end of the year.



Mercedes has had time to adjust, with 18-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli signed as the Briton's replacement, but Hamilton told reporters at Yas Marina the transition had not been easy.



"I anticipated it would be difficult, but massively underestimated how difficult it would be," he said.



"It was straining on the relationship very early on, took time for people to get past it. And then just for my own self, it's been a very emotional year for me.



"And I think I've not been at my best in handling and dealing with those emotions."