He Definitely Has It—So Why Did Hamilton Say He Was Useless?
Lewis Hamilton’s recent performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix left fans and pundits questioning the seven-time world champion’s confidence. After qualifying 12th—far behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured Ferrari’s first pole position of the season—Hamilton described himself as just useless. His frustration was evident, raising concerns about his form and future. But behind the self-criticism lies a deeper story of adaptation, high expectations, and relentless drive. He definitely has it—so what’s really going on?
Hamilton’s Struggles at the Hungaroring
The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend was one of Hamilton’s toughest since joining Ferrari. Struggling with car balance and performance, he lagged behind Leclerc in qualifying and failed to climb higher than 12th in the race. While Leclerc battled McLaren for a podium before falling to fourth due to late-race issues, Hamilton was left frustrated, admitting his struggles extended beyond just pace.
There’s a lot going on in the background that is not… great, he said, hinting at deeper challenges within the team. Yet, despite the disappointment, he remained optimistic: I’m sure there are positives to take from the weekend and I’m sure there’s learning.
The Psychological Toll of High Expectations
For a driver of Hamilton’s caliber, not competing at the front is unfamiliar territory. His self-deprecating remarks after qualifying sparked speculation—was he past his prime? Would he retire early? But those who know him understand his relentless mentality.
Hamilton quickly dismissed any notion of quitting, confirming his return for the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break. I’ll be back, yeah, he stated firmly. His determination remains intact, even as he navigates a difficult phase in his career.
Behind the Scenes: The Ferrari Challenge
Team principal Frederic Vasseur offered perspective on Hamilton’s struggles.
For sure, when you are a seven-time world champion and your teammate is on pole while you’re out in Q2, it’s tough, Vasseur acknowledged. He also explained Ferrari’s risky one-stop strategy, which backfired on race day.
Vasseur emphasized that Hamilton’s difficulties shouldn’t overshadow his progress. The gap to Leclerc in qualifying was marginal—just 0.247 seconds in Q2 and 0.155 in Q1—but the results made the disparity look worse than it was.
Adapting to the Car and the Competition
Hamilton’s recent performances highlight the challenges of adapting to Ferrari’s SF-24. While he had closed the gap to Leclerc since May, the Hungarian and Belgian Grand Prix weekends disrupted his momentum. Two errors in Spa—one from pushing too hard in Eau Rouge during qualifying—compounded the perception of decline.
However, his average qualifying deficit to Leclerc this season is just 0.146 seconds—a testament to his ability to compete at the highest level, even in unfamiliar machinery.
The Legacy of a Champion
Hamilton’s former Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, weighed in on his struggles, calling his self-criticism typical of his emotional transparency.
That is Lewis wearing his heart on his sleeve, Wolff said. He’s the GOAT, and he will always be the GOAT.
Wolff also pointed to the impact of Formula 1’s current ground-effect cars, which don’t suit Hamilton’s driving style as well as previous generations. However, he remains confident in Hamilton’s ability to bounce back.
If he has a car that gives him confidence, he can still win that eighth title, Wolff insisted. He definitely has it.
Looking Ahead: Can Hamilton Rediscover His Best Form?
The key question isn’t whether Hamilton still has the skill—it’s whether Ferrari can provide him with a car that unlocks his potential.
Next season’s regulation changes could reset the field, offering a fresh opportunity for Hamilton to compete at the front again. Until then, his patience, adaptability, and sheer competitiveness will be tested.
He definitely has it—but Formula 1 moves fast, and time will tell if Ferrari and Hamilton can find the winning formula together.
Final Thoughts
Hamilton’s self-critical remarks reflect his relentless pursuit of excellence. While the current car may not suit his strengths, history shows that great champions find a way. Whether he secures that elusive eighth title or not, one thing remains certain: he definitely has it—and underestimating him would be a mistake.
