LEWIS HAMILTON’S HUNGARY PAIN: FROM SELF-DOUBT TO THE COMEBACK THAT’S STILL TO COME
Despite Ferrari’s continued efforts to improve the SF-25, Lewis couldn't extract the performance he wanted — or expected — from the car. While Charles Leclerc stunned the paddock with Ferrari’s first pole of the season, Lewis was out in Q2. His own words painted the picture best: “I’m useless. Absolutely useless. They probably need to change driver.”
A Brutally Honest Lewis Speaks Out
Lewis has always been known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, but his remarks in Hungary were particularly raw. After failing to progress beyond Q2 by just 0.016s, his emotions spilled over.
“It’s just me every time,” Lewis told Sky F1. “I’m useless, absolutely useless. The team has no problem, you’ve seen the car’s on pole. They probably need to change driver.”
That kind of self-criticism — especially from a seven-time World Champion — left many fans and pundits shocked. But for longtime Lewis fans, this was another example of the immense pressure he puts on himself to deliver.
From Pole Position To Pitfall
Saturday’s qualifying couldn’t have been more of a contrast between the Ferrari teammates. While Charles Leclerc delivered a surprise pole, Lewis struggled with grip and confidence. The SF-25 didn’t come to him in time — and in F1 qualifying, every tenth matters.
Race day brought no relief. Starting on hard tyres, Lewis dropped two positions off the line and was caught in a DRS train that made overtaking near impossible. The strategy gamble didn’t pay off, and without clean air, he couldn’t launch any sort of recovery.
In his post-race interviews, Lewis remained quiet and visibly dejected. Asked whether he was excited for the summer break, he answered, “Very much so.” And on whether he’d be returning with Ferrari after the break, he simply said, “Hopefully I will be back, yeah.”
A Team United Behind Its Star Driver
Despite the frustration, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was quick to dismiss any concerns over Lewis’ motivation.
“I don’t need to motivate him, honestly,” Vasseur said. “He’s frustrated, but not demotivated. It’s a completely different story.”
Vasseur reminded the press that post-session comments from elite athletes are often emotionally charged and shouldn’t be taken at face value.
“Sometimes, just after the race or qualifying, the first reaction is off. But we all know we’re pushing in the same direction.”
The Frenchman was also quick to shut down any suggestion that Lewis might not continue with the team or that Ferrari might consider replacing him.
“Yes, he’s demanding,” Vasseur acknowledged, “but that’s why he’s a seven-time World Champion. He’s demanding with everyone — the team, the car, the engineers — but most of all, with himself.”
Why Hungary Hurt So Much
The reason Hungary stung was simple: Lewis was expecting more. He entered the weekend hopeful that Ferrari’s latest setup changes would unlock more consistency in the car. Instead, he was left fighting for grip and unsure of how to extract performance.
And when your teammate sticks the same machinery on pole while you exit in Q2, it’s a hard pill to swallow.
But it’s also worth noting that the Hungaroring has historically been one of Lewis’ strongest circuits. He’s won there eight times — more than any other driver. That history makes weekends like this one especially painful.
Pressure Mounts As Leclerc Builds Momentum
The 2025 season hasn’t been smooth sailing for Lewis. Since joining Ferrari, he’s yet to secure a podium while Leclerc has five to his name. After Hungary, Lewis now trails his teammate by 42 points in the Drivers’ Championship.
For a driver of Lewis’ caliber, that gap is more than just a number — it’s a reminder that time is ticking in a career that has already achieved greatness but still chases more.
And yet, what makes Lewis different is that he doesn’t settle. Even on a weekend where he publicly doubted himself, his passion for performance hasn’t faded. His words weren’t those of a man ready to quit — they were the words of a champion who still believes he can fight, if given the right tools.
The Road Ahead: Dutch GP And Beyond
The Hungarian GP marked the halfway point of the season. As the F1 circus heads into the summer break, the big question remains: can Ferrari give Lewis a car that fits him?
He has made it clear that elements of the SF-25 — particularly its unpredictability in low-grip conditions — simply cannot continue into 2026. His feedback has been brutally honest, but that’s what Ferrari signed up for when they brought Lewis on board.
Now, as the team prepares for the next race at Zandvoort, there’s hope that the break will reset both mind and machine. The Dutch Grand Prix offers a chance at redemption, and you can be sure Lewis will come back swinging.
Why Lewis Still Believes — And So Should We
Lewis may have sounded defeated in Hungary, but don’t mistake disappointment for defeat. The seven-time World Champion has faced tougher seasons. From his rookie heartbreak in 2007 to title losses in 2016 and 2021, Lewis has always come back stronger.
And this time, he’s not just racing for wins — he’s helping to rebuild Ferrari from the inside. He’s lending his experience, his voice, and his expectations to a team that has lacked consistency for years.
If Ferrari listens — really listens — to what Lewis is saying, they’ll come out better for it.
He may not be standing on the podium right now, but Lewis is laying the foundation for something bigger. This journey was never going to be easy. But as history has shown us, betting against Lewis Hamilton is never wise.
Final Thoughts
Lewis’ honesty in Hungary reminded us all just how high he sets the bar. He’s not here to finish in the midfield. He’s not here for PR or a paycheck. He’s here to win.
And while this weekend might go down as one of his toughest since joining Ferrari, it might also be the moment that turns the tide.
One thing’s for sure — Lewis Hamilton isn’t done yet. Not by a long shot.
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