Lewis Hamilton issues Ferrari 'work cut out' warning

Lewis Hamilton has insisted Ferrari has its “work cut out” as it seeks to catch Mercedes.

The Brackley-based squad has enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign, clinching victory at the opening two rounds of the year.

Ferrari has offered a challenge to Mercedes during the opening stint of both grands prix so far, but has been unable to keep pace with it across the entire race distance.

Mercedes' return to the front of the F1 pecking order comes just over one year on from Hamilton's exit from the squad.

The 41-year-old enjoyed a highly successful partnership with Mercedes, winning six championships as a Silver Arrows driver 

Reflecting on his F1 journey with Mercedes, Hamilton told the media, including RacingNews365: “To have been such a part of Mercedes through my career, they supported me from almost day one.

“In 1997, I was 13, then [to] go through that journey with them and have the success with them... George and I had some difficult years in that past era.

“So it’s really special to see them back at the front because it’s a phenomenal team.”

As he seeks new success with Ferrari, Hamilton scored his first top-three result in red on Sunday in Shanghai.

He shared the podium with both Mercedes drivers, as well as his former race engineer, Pete Bonnington, who was the team representative in the celebrations.

While Hamilton is pleased to see his former team back on top, he has called on Ferrari to put its head down in the pursuit of overthrowing their rivals.

“I know we’ve got our work cut out to beat them because when they’re on form like this, they're not easy to beat,” Hamilton added.

“To see George come through the sport and then get to Formula 1, and now see Kimi come through and be able to be here with them, especially as Kimi took my seat. 

“And then Bono, I’ve worked with for so long, so it’s like sitting here with my whole family. So that’s great.”