Lewis Hamilton expressed deep frustration with his performance after qualifying 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix, labeling himself “absolutely useless.” This comment followed his teammate, Charles Leclerc, securing pole position, highlighting a stark contrast in their fortunes as the Formula 1 season progresses.
Hamilton’s struggles mark a challenging first season with Ferrari. His qualifying result places him outside the top 10 for the second consecutive race, a situation that has led him to suggest that a driver change may be necessary for the team. “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So they probably need to change driver,” he stated in an interview with Sky Sports.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion’s self-criticism escalated during the qualifying session when he voiced his frustrations over the team radio. After being eliminated in the second part of qualifying, Hamilton remarked, “every time, every time,” indicating a sense of personal accountability for his performance. He later clarified to Sky Sports that this meant, “it’s me every time.”
Despite his struggles, Hamilton has shown flashes of potential this season, finishing fourth in a Grand Prix and winning a sprint race in China in March. Currently, Hamilton sits just behind Leclerc in the standings, with Leclerc in fifth place and Hamilton in sixth. Leclerc has achieved five podium finishes this year, while Hamilton is still searching for his first podium with Ferrari.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s race, Leclerc aims to secure Ferrari’s first Formula 1 victory since October. Hamilton, meanwhile, continues to grapple with his position within the team. Recently, he described the current moment as “crunch time,” revealing that he has been engaged in discussions with Ferrari executives about potential improvements. These meetings are crucial as the team prepares for significant regulation changes scheduled for 2026.
With the pressure mounting, Hamilton’s future with Ferrari remains a topic of speculation. His candid remarks reflect not only his personal struggles but also the broader challenges facing the iconic team as they strive to return to the front of the grid. As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on these two drivers and how they navigate this pivotal moment in the season.
