Lewis Hamilton’s struggle during his debut campaign with Ferrari hit a new low at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and was not helped by the team’s radio call.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton failed to reach the third quarter and finished only 12th on one of his favorite and most successful Formula 1 tracks, but teammate Charles Leclair claimed shock poles and placed fourth.
Disappointed, Lewis Hamilton declared “no use” over the fierce weekend, and Ferrari suggested “change the driver” during the F1 summer holidays.
Sky Sports F1 Pundit and three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick said Hamilton’s troubles were “very difficult listening.”
“It’s definitely not the fairy tale we all wanted, and it’s certainly true,” Chadwick told the Sky Sports F1 podcast.
“It was a very tough few races. On the seventh lap, he was told to lift more to manage the overheating. As a driver, you’ve already had a tough weekend.
“He just had a tough weekend, and that’s complicated matters I saw earlier this year. I think part of the reason he’s so depressed about himself is because he tried to win the eighth world title.
“Even if you have a bad weekend or two, it’s frustrating to know what he’s there to do. It’s really hard, to be honest.
“I really hope that the summer break will give him time to find not just in his mind, but also in a reflection of how Ferrari can make the most of him. It’s not a good thing for anyone to hear, especially from a driving perspective.”
Lewis Hamilton has an “unfinished business”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasser and former Mercedes team boss Toto Wolf strongly defended Hamilton amid the overwhelming performances he has now.
Vasseur argued that Hamilton was “frustrated, but unmotivated,” but Wolff emphasized that the 40-year-old Briton has “unfinished business” in Formula 1.
“Lewis has an unfinished business in Formula 1. This has never been satisfied with the ground effect car since 2022, just as Mercedes has been degraded performance in this last set with this latest regulations.”
“It could be linked to driving styles, similarly.
“He shouldn’t go anywhere. Next year we have a brand new car, not quite like driving a new power unit that requires an intelligent way to manage energy.
“That’s definitely going on for Lewis. I hope he’s going on for years, and it’s certainly going to be important next year.”
Asked if Hamilton could win the eighth world title, Wolf replied.
“If you have a car that doesn’t give him the feedback he wants, it’s a series from the past few years and it seems to be in the Ferrari (it’s even worse).
“But you ask me if he has it, he definitely has it.”