"It’s been an emotional roller coaster," claims Hamilton as he reflects on the start to his Ferrari career

Ahead of his first Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton admitted that "it's been an emotional roller coaster," as the Briton reflected on the start to his Ferrari career.

Following the announcement of his departure from Mercedes last February, Ferrari announced they had reached a multi-year agreement with Hamilton to join the team in 2025, replacing Carlos Sainz Jr. to partner Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton stated it had been a "childhood dream" to drive for Ferrari. In parallel to his move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, it was noted as one of the most unexpected driver transfers in Formula One history, and marked the first time in his career where he did not drive for a Mercedes-powered team.

This weekend, the seven-time world champion is preparing himself for his first Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza where has shares the record for most victories with Michael Schumacher.

Asked how he can deal with the mixed emotions he has gone through during the whole adventure of Ferrari between the love he received from the Tifosi and also the doubts he have expressed until now, Hamilton admitted that is has been an "emotional roller coaster."

"It’s been an emotional roller coaster. Did I expect it to be as volatile in terms of feeling? No. But that’s life.

"Even though we had a difficult Sunday, we’re coming out on the brighter end of the tunnel. I read something recently saying there’s no point stressing about tomorrow because it often puts shade on the present.

"So I’m really trying not to worry about tomorrow. I’m trying to be present and enjoy every moment because this half of the season has gone by really quick.

Hamilton continued: "It’s my first half a season with this team, and there’s obviously a long way to go. I don’t want to miss any of these special moments.

"For example, yesterday, my first Monza in Ferrari red. When I leave the garage tomorrow, it’s going to be incredibly special coming onto this circuit.

"I reflect on when I was a kid watching Michael winning here. Now I get to have that experience of being on the receiving end of the Tifosi.

"I want to give them absolutely everything this weekend to get the best result for them because the passion and the support they’ve given me and this team is like nothing I’ve ever seen."