Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon has stated he can “relate” to the struggles Lewis Hamilton has endured during his opening phase as a Ferrari driver.
The seven-time champion has struggled to adapt to the Ferrari car following his switch from Mercedes, with his best grand prix result being fifth in Bahrain.
His highest success has come in the two sprint races held in China and Miami, where he finished first and third respectively.
Hamilton has highlighted his struggles with the Ferrari's instability and its brakes at recent events - limitations Ocon is familiar with.
“It’s very difficult, especially when you change car philosophy,” Ocon told media including RacingNews365.
“The Haas car and the Ferrari car have a lot of similarities, so I can relate to Lewis on that side.
“I have driven the Mercedes as well in the past, so it is a very different way of driving the car or extracting the potential of it.
“The car feels very different, so it is not easy for sure to adapt to that. But I am sure he will find a way very quickly.”
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Esteban Ocon suggests key reason behind Lewis Hamilton struggles
Hamilton joined the Italian squad after 12 years with Mercedes, winning six F1 titles in that time.
The 40-year-old holds the record for the most F1 races with a single squad, having entered 346 grands prix with the Brackley-based squad.
Despite building a huge bank of experience, Ocon has suggested his lengthy Mercedes stint is a reason behind his struggles at Ferrari.
When asked if it's easier to adjust to different cars with more F1 experience, Ocon replied: “It’s more the opposite way.
“I think if you come from junior formulas and you go straight into that car, you put everything you have learned away and you just go into it and you learn a new thing again.
“Now with our experience, Lewis has much more experience than me, he’s driven a lot of different cars but a lot of the same ones as well for a long time.
“I can understand why it is not easy and I also know it is not easy for me or for Carlos, but we will get there.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the biggest talking points from the Miami Grand Prix. Ferrari's radio tension, Oscar Piastri taking charge and Max Verstappen needing to change his McLaren approach are major discussions.
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