Lewis Hamilton handed 'internally very frustrated' Ferrari analysis

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Lewis Hamilton has been "internally very frustrated" at Ferrari, following an analysis of the seven-time champion's first 12 grands prix in red. 

It has been a difficult start to life at the Maranello-based outfit for Hamilton, who is yet to claim a grand prix podium for Ferrari. 

Hamilton's highlights so far this season have been converting sprint pole into a sprint win in China, and finishing on the podium in the Miami sprint. 

He has faced initial problems communicating with race engineer Riccardo Adami, and difficulties adjusting to driving a Ferrari after so many years with Mercedes. 

Charles Leclerc has, for the majority of the opening 12 rounds, been the stronger driver in the Scuderia camp and has secured four podium finishes. 

Hamilton did deliver a strong performance in the British Grand Prix, only for poor weather to work against Ferrari's pace in Silverstone. 

Herbert is insistent the 40-year-old has not "given up", based on his performance on home soil, but that Ferrari must improve. 

"It’s been a slow burner for him," Herbert told F1. "He’s probably been internally very frustrated, but he hasn’t given up – he’s still working hard. 

"Silverstone was hopefully a sign of better things to come. It was a much closer situation there, and they were strong straight out of the box. 

"Lewis made the mistake, yes, on that qualifying lap, but there was only one driver who didn’t, and that was Max. 

"It was a better performance, but Ferrari have still got to up their game. The problem will be when the focus goes to next year. At least they’ve got potentially a better direction now."