Lewis Hamilton handed Ferrari warning by fellow F1 champion: 'It can take years'

Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen has warned Lewis Hamilton that it could take years before he begins to properly gel with the Ferrari team.

Hamilton switched to the Italian squad this year as he closed the curtain on a highly successful 12-year stint with Mercedes.

However, the campaign has been far from what Hamilton was hoping for, as after 18 rounds, he is still awaiting his first trip to the podium.

Ferrari is the only team inside the top four in the standings that is yet to win a race this year, a major step back from its position last season, when it narrowly missed out on a constructors' title.

While the year has so far been a letdown for Hamilton, Hakkinen took time to hail the seven-time champion's achievements.

“First of all, Lewis is just an incredible racing driver,” Hakkinen told the Hindustan Times. 

“He has succeeded in his career over the years, taking all the pressure that he’s been experiencing. It’s just unbelievable.” 

Ferrari has not been in a position to win a championship for several years, with its last triumph coming in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen.

Hakkinen does not expect Hamilton to end Ferrari's drought anytime soon, suggesting it will be several years before Hamilton and Ferrari are in a position to win a title together.

“When you come to a new team, normally it can take 4-5 years until you can make the car to fit your driving style,” he said.

“Thus, Lewis has to have the patience to wait for such a long time. 

“You normally don’t jump in the team and the car and say, ‘Oh, this car is fantastic. I’m going to win races.’ It requires a lot of work and a long time.”