Ferrari Reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s F1 Future After Hungary

Seven-time Formulation 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton had a weekend to overlook on the Hungarian Grand Prix, as a poor qualifying efficiency and an underwhelming race left him disillusioned and emotionally drained.

After failing to progress previous Q2, Hamilton certified in twelfth place, a far cry from the entrance of the grid. In a uncommon and emotional second, Hamilton didn’t maintain again on his self-criticism, calling himself “completely ineffective” and sarcastically suggesting that Ferrari “might want to change driver,” since teammate Charles Leclerc had simply secured pole place in the very same automotive.

Hamilton’s harsh feedback created a stir throughout the paddock, sparking hypothesis about inner workforce dynamics, his future at Ferrari, and his psychological state after a tough stretch within the 2025 season.

Vasseur Defends Hamilton’s Requirements and Emotional Honesty

Ferrari workforce principal Fred Vasseur responded to Hamilton’s feedback, stating that whereas the British driver is “demanding,” that trait is exactly what makes him a champion. Talking to media, together with RacingNews365, Vasseur confirmed empathy and understanding towards Hamilton’s disappointment.

“He’s demanding with the workforce, with the automotive, with the engineers, with the mechanics, and with me—however to begin with, he’s demanding with himself,” Vasseur defined. “That’s a part of being a world-class driver.”

Vasseur emphasised that feelings run excessive in Formulation 1, particularly when a driver of Hamilton’s caliber underperforms in comparison with his teammate. Leclerc taking pole whereas Hamilton was eradicated in Q2 naturally created rigidity, however Vasseur warned in opposition to making knee-jerk judgments.

He defined that in Q1, Hamilton was truly sooner than Leclerc, and in Q2, the hole between the 2 drivers was simply over a tenth of a second. Vasseur insisted the distinction was marginal and simply influenced by small variables corresponding to visitors, tire prep, or monitor evolution.

Tight Margins in Qualifying: A Sport of Inches

Vasseur went on to clarify that qualifying was extraordinarily shut throughout the board, and it wasn’t simply Ferrari that discovered themselves on the sting.

“Even Max Verstappen was virtually out in Q2,” Vasseur famous, referencing a dialog he had with Laurent Mekies, Pink Bull’s workforce principal. “It’s so tight now that being only a tenth slower can knock you out, and that doesn’t imply you’re not aggressive.”

In line with Vasseur, qualifying periods in 2025 have develop into unforgiving, with monitor evolution and timing enjoying a crucial position. “Typically you’re unfortunate. Charles made it by and obtained pole. Lewis simply missed out. That’s racing.”

He added that it’s essential to not overreact or let a single poor consequence overshadow the larger image. Ferrari nonetheless believes strongly in Hamilton’s means to carry out.

Ferrari’s Technique Gamble Failed within the Race

The frustration didn’t finish in qualifying. On race day, Ferrari took a strategic gamble by placing Hamilton on onerous tires from the beginning. The plan backfired.

Hamilton turned caught in a DRS practice, a line of automobiles utilizing the Drag Discount System that makes overtaking extraordinarily tough when all automobiles are receiving comparable velocity boosts. Because of this, Hamilton made little progress and ultimately crossed the end line in twelfth place, scoring no factors.

Vasseur acknowledged the technique didn’t work out however identified that Hamilton’s tempo in clear air was sturdy. The automotive had velocity—it was only a matter of monitor place and visitors.

“When he was out of the practice and had clear air, his tempo was excellent,” Vasseur stated. “It was a tough race, however not a hopeless one.”

Hamilton and Verstappen Tussle Briefly within the Midfield

Including to the spectacle, Hamilton discovered himself battling Max Verstappen throughout the race — a uncommon sight contemplating these two are often combating for podiums, not eleventh place. Their rivalry, which peaked throughout their dramatic 2021 title battle, briefly flared once more as they jostled for place.

Although the battle didn’t change the end result of the race, it was a reminder of the fireplace and competitiveness each drivers nonetheless possess, even when combating exterior the highest 10.

Current Kind Suggests Hamilton Can Nonetheless Ship

Regardless of the tough Hungarian weekend, Vasseur was fast to remind everybody of Hamilton’s current kind within the 2025 season. In a number of current races—together with Spain, Austria, Silverstone, and Miami—Hamilton had been extraordinarily aggressive, usually matching or beating Leclerc.

He additionally talked about the Belgian Grand Prix, the place Hamilton was six-tenths sooner than Leclerc throughout one qualifying lap earlier than shedding the automotive at Flip 14 and failing to finish the lap.

“In fact, in racing, you need to end the lap. However his uncooked tempo continues to be there,” Vasseur stated. “You may’t simply choose somebody on one mistake.”

The Ferrari boss defined that championship-level drivers undergo ups and downs, and drawing fast conclusions from one poor weekend isn’t productive. “You may lead the race for 40 laps, however if you happen to don’t end, it doesn’t matter. That’s why we have a look at the entire image.”

Ferrari Believes in Hamilton’s Comeback at Zandvoort

Waiting for the following race in Zandvoort, Netherlands, Vasseur expressed confidence that Hamilton would bounce again.

“He’s a seven-time champion for a purpose. He’ll come again stronger,” Vasseur stated.

The Dutch Grand Prix presents a brand new problem, and with Ferrari anticipated to deliver minor upgrades and tweak their tire technique, the workforce is hoping for a turnaround—particularly if Hamilton can keep away from visitors and regain the shape he confirmed earlier within the season.

One Dangerous Weekend Doesn’t Outline a Champion

Hamilton’s brutal self-assessment and Ferrari’s failed technique made for a disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix, however the workforce’s management stays supportive. Fred Vasseur understands the strain Hamilton is beneath, particularly when Leclerc excels in the identical equipment. However he additionally is aware of Hamilton’s worth—not simply when it comes to outcomes, however in setting a excessive bar for the whole workforce.

Qualifying margins had been razor-thin, technique calls didn’t pan out, and feelings ran excessive — all a part of the ever-intense world of Formulation 1. What’s clear, nevertheless, is that Hamilton hasn’t misplaced his edge, and Ferrari hasn’t misplaced religion in him.

With the following race quick approaching, all eyes will probably be on Zandvoort to see if Hamilton can silence the doubts and put Ferrari again within the battle.

Expanded Race Weekend Abstract

The Data is Collected from The Mirror and Newsweek.