Lewis Hamilton admits it will be "difficult" to win the Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has braced himself for a "difficult" race ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 29-year-old will start the race second on the grid, behind Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, but has admitted the race will not be easy.

"Overtaking will be very difficult because his car is the same as mine and we are so close on pace," Hamilton said during the post-qualifying press conference.

"Ultimately, I know that I have good pace here but I just didn't do it today.

"I've now got to work on strategy, looking after the tyres and the car, and I've got to speak to my engineer to work out what will suit me best, but I'm hoping I have a chance."

Hamilton was the quickest in the second and third practice sessions but struggled in the middle sector of the qualifier to finish 0.079 seconds off Rosberg.