Formula 1 fans know that Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to big moments, both the highs and the lows. After the 2025 Hungarian qualifying, though, even some of his biggest supporters had a hard time watching one of the sport’s greatest drivers sound so down on himself.
Hungarian Qualifying: One Of The Worst For Lewis Hamilton
Hungary, one of Hamilton’s best tracks in the past, wasn’t kind to him this weekend. On Saturday, Lewis Hamilton struggled during qualifying and only managed to secure 12th place on the grid. In a raw and honest moment after he got knocked out in Q2 while teammate Charles Leclerc took pole position, Hamilton didn’t hold back on TV and radio:
“I’m useless, absolutely useless,” said Hamilton, looking defeated as cameras rolled. “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So they probably need to change driver.”
It wasn’t just a dramatic moment; it showed just how frustrated and disappointed Hamilton felt about his own performance. While the Ferrari team was celebrating Leclerc’s top result, Hamilton was taking the full blame for his struggles.
Not The First Time
This result wasn’t a one-off, either. Last week in Belgium, Hamilton also faced a tough qualifying session, getting knocked out in Q1 for both the sprint and main races. At the Hungaroring, he expected things to improve after some promising practice sessions, but the pace disappeared when it mattered most. After his Q2 exit, he could be heard repeating, “Every time, every time,” over the radio, making it clear he believed this qualifying struggle was becoming a theme.
Later, he clarified to reporters that he didn’t blame the car or the team. He actually praised Ferrari for delivering a competitive car.
Honest Words, Strong Legacy
Hamilton’s self-criticism may sound harsh, but it’s rooted in his desire to always deliver his best. Even as a seven-time world champion with more race wins and poles than anyone in history, he never shies away from taking responsibility. Some people might see his words as “too much,” but it’s classic Lewis, open, honest, and always putting himself in the hot seat.
What’s Next for Hamilton?
It’s clear 2025 has been a challenging first year at Ferrari for Hamilton, and qualifying continues to be the problem area. Still, if history teaches us anything, it’s not wise to count Lewis out. He’s proven time and again that tough weekends can be followed by comeback drives and even victories.
Also Read: Hungarian Grand Prix 2025 Qualifying: The Closest Qualifying Race Ever
