Hamilton’s Hungarian GP Qualifying Woes: “I’m Useless”
Seven-time champion crashes out in Q2, questions driver performance
A visibly dejected Lewis Hamilton exited qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Q2, a stark contrast to his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc who secured pole position.
Frustration Boils Over in Budapest
The seven-time world champion admitted to significant struggles throughout practice, stating he was “quite far off” the pace. Despite a glimmer of hope in FP3 where he shadowed Leclerc, the crucial qualifying session saw Hamilton land just 12th on the grid. Over the radio, his repeated sigh of “every time, every time” underscored his mounting frustration.
Lewis Hamilton calls himself “useless” after crashing out of qualifying in Q2 at the Hungarian Grand Prix. pic.twitter.com/Jb7zHq4cI8
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 21, 2024
When pressed by Sky Sports F1 about his performance, Hamilton did not mince words. I’m useless, absolutely useless.
he stated.
Questioning the Driver’s Role
Despite the team’s efforts with recent updates to the SF-25, Hamilton pointed the finger at himself when asked for solutions. The team, they have no problem – you’ve seen the car is on pole. So, they probably need to change driver.
he remarked.
In a separate interview with F1 TV, Hamilton rebuffed suggestions that his self-assessment was too harsh, given his illustrious career. It clearly is. I drove terribly. It is what it is.
he replied.
This Q2 exit follows a Q1 elimination at the Belgian Grand Prix, though Hamilton demonstrated his race-craft by recovering to seventh place and earning Driver of the Day. His Hungarian qualifying result places him behind a resurgent field, with Carlos Sainz Jr qualifying third for Ferrari. In contrast, Max Verstappen, who qualified second, leads the championship by 122 points over Hamilton after 11 races this season (Formula 1).
