Frustrated Hamilton Suggests Ferrari Should Replace Him After Hungary Struggles

Lewis Hamilton cut a frustrated figure on Saturday after qualifying 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix, admitting he felt “useless” and even suggesting Ferrari may need a new driver.

Despite teammate Charles Leclerc securing pole, Hamilton fell short of Q3 by just 0.015 seconds. “It’s me every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless,” the seven-time world champion claimed. “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So we probably need to change driver.”

The 40-year-old Briton, who joined Ferrari from Mercedes in January, is still searching for his first podium in red. His only victory this season came in the Shanghai sprint back in March. Meanwhile, Leclerc has five top-three finishes in 13 races and holds a 30-point advantage over Hamilton in the standings.

Hamilton has not won a Grand Prix in over a year and is currently enduring the longest podium drought of his career—15 races and counting. “I drove terribly,” he said when asked to clarify his comments. “It is what it is.”

Despite holding the all-time records for race wins (105) and pole positions (104), Hamilton admitted this has been one of the toughest seasons of his career. “Integrating into a new culture and into a new team... it’s been a real battle,” he said, adding he plans to recharge over the August break.