Lewis Hamilton says he recognises the tough start to his debut season at Ferrari but knows it's only going to make him better.
Speaking ahead of his first Italian Grand Prix as a Scuderia driver, the seven-time World Champion said he won't label this year his toughest, but know it's been difficult.
"I don't remember every single season, so I don't want to compare it to others. I remember 2009 wasn't great, 2010, '11, '12. 2022, 2023. So there are plenty."
"But living the dream, moving to race with Ferrari. I had the whole of last year to prepare for it, there has been a lot of adjustment and they have moved heaven and earth to accommodate me.
"Honestly, I think the harder it is, the better it can make you and this year has been tough but it prepares you for better days and we will be stronger for it."
The Brit has acknowledged over the course of the season how hard things have been, but seems to have refreshed outlook after the summer break.
But the race in Monza will be another battle.
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Hamilton to take five place grid drop for Monza
Qualifying is going to be an important session for Hamilton as he will face a 5 place grid drop for Sunday's start.
He received the penalty after a pre-race yellow flag infringement at the Dutch Grand Prix. The stewards found that Hamilton had not reduced his speed enough to meet regulations
The Ferrari driver said he didn't know about the penalty and was shocked by the news when he returned home from Zandvoort.
He claimed he did lift off his accelerator but "to [the FIA's] liking not enough".
But Hamilton says the penalty will be a motivator for him in front of the Tifosi.
"To get the penalty and penalty points is pretty hardcore but I'll learn from it".
"It will be hard this weekend, Qualifying is tight and to be set back five places is not great going into your first Monza GP with Ferrari. Gives me more to fight for, and makes me motivated."