Lewis Hamilton admitted "there'll be some tears" during Formula One's upcoming summer break after a tough start to life at Ferrari.
Hamilton joined the Italian team at the start of 2025 in a blockbuster switch from Mercedes, with whom he spent 12 years.
However, the highly anticipated move has not panned out as expected, as he has endured an underwhelming first seven months with the team.
Hamilton has failed to earn a podium finish across the 13 races so far this season, with his best result being fourth at the Emilia-Romagna, Austrian and British Grands Prix.
The Brit has not shied away from his struggles in recent months and believes the break will give him a chance to refresh.
"The last god knows how many seasons have been hard in their own way. This one has definitely been the most intense one, I would say, just from a work perspective," he said.
"Integrating into a new culture and into a new team. It's not gone smoothly in all areas, and it's been a real battle.
"I definitely need to get away and recharge, be around the kids, laugh, let go. I'm sure there'll be some tears at some point, and I think that's really healthy."
Hamilton has performed better in the sprints, winning in China before finishing third in Miami, but he is still only on 109 points in sixth, 30 behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari are also 268 points behind McLaren in the constructors' championship; they last won the title in 2008, and it looks like their wait is set to continue.
Hamilton remains determined to improve his current standing, though, with an eye on success at Ferrari.
"I'm always excited to race. I love what I do, I love being in red, I love working with this team, I have such belief in this team," he added.
"It's really hard to explain. I already had it a lot when I was in my previous team. Over time, you really build that camaraderie, and I see the passion in this team, and I love it.
"All I want to do is contribute the best that I can. Of course, I need to do that mostly on track, and I'm not always hitting that, but also in the background.
"I see there's things that we can always improve and there's things that I can improve on. I'm just really excited for this break.
Hamilton continued: "I think for everybody, particularly the guys at the factory, they'll definitely enjoy this time with their family, and then we'll come back extra energised for the second half."
Hamilton will be hoping to improve on current form at Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, a race he has won on a record-breaking eight occasions.
