Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with his performance during the qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he secured a disappointing 12th place. In stark contrast, his teammate, Charles Leclerc, achieved pole position, marking a significant achievement for Ferrari. Following the qualifying results, Hamilton described himself as “absolutely useless” and suggested that Ferrari might benefit from a change in drivers.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion’s comments come after a challenging start to his season with Ferrari, as this marks the second consecutive race where he has failed to qualify within the top ten. Hamilton’s radio communications during the session revealed his disappointment, stating “every time, every time” after being eliminated in the second part of qualifying. He clarified that this repeated phrase implied that the issue lies with him.
Hamilton has yet to finish on the podium in any Grand Prix event since joining Ferrari, with his best result being fourth place. Despite this, he did manage to secure a victory in a sprint race held in China in March. Leclerc, currently fifth in the championship standings, has achieved five podium finishes this season, highlighting the disparity between the two drivers’ performances.
As the team prepares for the race on Sunday, Leclerc aims to deliver Ferrari’s first Formula 1 victory since October, a goal that adds pressure on both him and Hamilton. Hamilton, reflecting on his season, acknowledged that it is “crunch time” for him and the team. He has been engaging in discussions with Ferrari executives about potential improvements and emphasized his desire for a more significant role in the development of the car, especially with major regulation changes set for 2026.
The Hungarian Grand Prix presents an opportunity for both drivers to turn their seasons around, but the contrasting trajectories of Hamilton and Leclerc raise questions about the team’s dynamics and future direction. Hamilton’s candid remarks indicate a need for reflection and possible changes within the team structure as they strive for competitive advantage in the upcoming races.