Hamilton: I’m just not that great around Mugello F1 track yet

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton admits he is "not that great" around the Mugello circuit but insists there is “more to come” after Friday practice.

Hamilton ended the opening practice session for the Tuscan Grand Prix fourth fastest and over half a second adrift of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, before closing the deficit to two-tenths in FP2 on his way to second.

Despite lacking some pace on Friday, the six-times world champion is confident he can turn things around in time for qualifying.

“I like it, it’s fast,” Hamilton explained. “It’s definitely a real challenge, just I’m not that great at it just yet, but I’m working on it.

“I’m trying to push it to the limit,” he added. “I think there are sections like the last sector, I’ve got that sorted and pretty happy with that.

“The first and second sector are a little bit weak for me, but particularly the first sector. There’s plenty to come in that section.

“Max and Valtteri are very quick through there so I’ll do a lot of studying tonight and hopefully I’ll rectify that tomorrow.”

Hamilton praised the Mugello circuit and said the Tuscan venue is one of the most physically demanding venues F1 has visited for some time.

“It almost feels like Turkey, the triple left hander whatever it is there, it is incredibly fast through the first, 6, 7, 8, 9, it’s intense,” he explained.

“I have to say it’s amazing to experience it. It’s going to be difficult to look after the tyres through that section but everyone is in the same boat.

“On the long run it’s one of the most physically demanding circuits that we’ve been at for a while, particularly with those double right-handers, most of the time we’re flat out through those sections, and it’s just holding your neck the whole time. I love that.”