Carlos Sainz has admitted he is not surprised by Lewis Hamilton's early struggles since joining Ferrari for the 2025 season.
The Spaniard, who was replaced by the seven-time world champion at the Italian team, has faced his own adaptation challenges after moving to Williams.
Sainz suggested that difficulties when joining a new Formula One team are to be expected in the current era.
With limited practice time and cost caps restricting development, both drivers have found it challenging to immediately match team-mates who are well-established at their respective teams.
F1 news: Carlos Sainz has admitted he is not surprised by Lewis Hamilton's early struggles since joining Ferrari for the 2025 season
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Hamilton has particularly struggled to match Charles Leclerc's pace at Ferrari.
'I'm not surprised at all,' Sainz said ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend. 'I think, for me, I expected it for myself and I expected it with him because in this sport, there are no secrets.'
The former Ferrari driver highlighted the challenge of competing against established teammates.
'When you are up against two teammates like we are like Alex [Albon] and Charles, they know the team inside out,' he explained.
'They are already at the limit of the car. So, when you jump to a new team, you know it's gonna take time.'
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F1 news: Carlos Sainz has opened up ahead of the Miami Grand Prix
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Hamilton's peak moment at Ferrari came during the Chinese Grand Prix last month when he claimed victory in the sprint race.
However, this success proved short-lived as he finished behind Leclerc in the main event.
The statistics paint a clear picture of Hamilton's adaptation challenges.
The British veteran has been outqualified by Leclerc in four of the five qualifying sessions this season.
More concerning for Hamilton fans, he has been beaten by his team-mate in all five races so far this term.
'Lewis had an amazing weekend in China, then he seemed to be having a bit more trouble now,' Sainz observed.
'But it's gonna take time for both.'
Sainz's comments reflect his own experience at Williams, where he faces similar adaptation challenges.
The Spaniard currently trails his teammate Alex Albon 3-2 in qualifying sessions.
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The race results show an even more pronounced difference, with Sainz behind Albon in four out of five races this season.
In Miami, Hamilton will hope that a changed strip will result in a change of fortunes.
Ferrari have ditched their iconic red racing suits for just the second time this century ahead of the weekend.
The Italian team will debut a new look courtesy of their sponsors HP.
Lewis Hamilton has struggled since joining Ferrari
GETTYDespite Hamilton's difficult start, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has offered his full support.
'I will give him support and we will start straight away to find solutions,' Vasseur said last month.
'I am not too worried. The potential is there for sure.'
Vasseur has also dismissed concerns about Ferrari's form, stating: 'You have ups and downs. When we have an up, we are not world champions. When we are down, we are not nowhere.'
