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

ABU DHABI : 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."

The winner of a record 105 races, and two this season including a home one at Silverstone, has struggled with his car's handling. Questions have been asked about his speed as he approaches 40 with more than 350 races under his belt.

Hamilton said in Qatar last weekend he had "still got it". But his frustration, particularly in qualifying, where team mate George Russell leads him 18-5, has been evident. In Brazil, he even hinted he might not complete the season.

HAMILTON SET FOR EMOTIONAL FINAL GRAND PRIX FOR MERCEDES

"I think you've all seen the worst of me and seen the best of me and I'm not going to apologise for either because I'm only human and I don't always get it right," he said in Abu Dhabi.

"I would definitely would say this year's been one of the worst in terms of handling that from my side, which I'll work