Lewis Hamilton expressed deep frustration with his performance following a disappointing qualification for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The seven-time Formula 1 champion, driving for Ferrari, qualified in 12th position, while his teammate, Charles Leclerc, secured pole. Hamilton’s remarks reflect the challenges he has faced during his first season with Ferrari, marking another setback in what has been a challenging campaign.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Hamilton described himself as “absolutely useless,” a sentiment that underscores his disappointment. “I’m useless, absolutely useless,” he reiterated, highlighting the stark contrast in performance between himself and Leclerc, who has managed to consistently finish higher in the standings. Hamilton added, “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So they probably need to change driver.”
Hamilton’s frustration was palpable during the qualifying session, where he expressed dismay over his elimination in the second part of qualifying. His post-session comments reflected his internal struggle: “It’s me every time,” he clarified, indicating a sense of personal accountability for his performance.
The results from qualifying are particularly significant as Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish this season with Ferrari. His best result has been a fourth-place finish, despite a victory in a sprint race held in China earlier in March. In contrast, Leclerc, currently positioned fifth in the standings, has achieved five podium finishes this year.
Looking ahead to the race on Sunday, Leclerc will be aiming to secure Ferrari’s first Formula 1 victory since October 2022. The team is eager to break this drought, especially with the upcoming 2026 regulation changes on the horizon.
Hamilton recently emphasized that the current situation is “crunch time” for him and the team. He has been holding discussions with Ferrari executives aimed at enhancing his influence on the car’s development. The former champion is keen to ensure that the team addresses the issues that have hindered their performance.
As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, the spotlight will be on both Hamilton and Leclerc, with Ferrari’s strategy and execution under scrutiny. Hamilton’s comments suggest a critical period not only for his career but also for Ferrari as they seek to regain their competitive edge in the championship.
