Lewis Hamilton delivered a stark self-assessment after a disappointing Q2 exit at the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, calling himself “useless” and suggesting that Ferrari “probably need to change driver”.
The British driver endured a frustrating qualifying session at the Hungaroring, knocked out in Q2 in 12th place after a valiant but ultimately insufficient effort to improve on his final lap.
Despite making it through to Q2 with ease — an improvement on his shock Q1 exit in Belgium — Hamilton struggled to find the pace needed on used Soft tyres.
Although he climbed to seventh on his second run, subsequent improvements from other drivers pushed him back into the elimination zone.
On his in-lap, frustration showed as he exclaimed over the team radio, “every time, every time”, reflecting his recurring struggles in qualifying.
After the session, speaking to Sky Sports F1, the 40-year-old was visibly upset and brutally honest about his performance.
Asked what his radio message meant, Hamilton said: “Oh, it’s me every time.”
He continued to lay the blame squarely on himself: “Yeah, useless. Absolutely useless.”
When questioned if anything could be done by the team or himself, Hamilton delivered a blunt verdict.
“Team’s not the problem, we can see the other car is on pole, so we probably need to change driver,” he explained.
On the other side of the Ferrari garage, Charles Leclerc stunned the McLarens to take pole position, showcasing the true pace of the SF-25.
The Monegasque has secured multiple podiums for the team this season while Hamilton continues to falter in his debut campaign in red.
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Fair play to Lewis, taking responsibility. He has been 0.3 behind Charles quite consistently though, so it is a question whether there’s anyone available to who’d be closer. Age catching up with him, inevitably. Charles is top drawer on pace so it’s not obvious who.