Lewis Hamilton faced another tough challenge at the 2025 Hungarian GP after failing to advance beyond the Q2 qualifying session, leaving him to start the race from P12. The seven-time world champion openly criticized his own performance, describing himself as “absolutely useless” despite his team’s strong showing, highlighting his ongoing Lewis Hamilton Hungarian GP struggles.

Ongoing Difficulties for Hamilton at Ferrari During Hungarian GP

Hamilton’s season at Ferrari has been marked by consistent difficulties, with the Hungarian GP displaying a continuation of these struggles. Despite competing in 13 races throughout 2025, Hamilton has yet to find a reliable rhythm, especially during qualifying sessions. At the Hungarian GP, he was eliminated early in Q2, which severely impacted his starting position for the race. This setback added to his frustration and deep dissatisfaction with his own driving form.

The 40-year-old driver did not hold back when reflecting on his performance, openly blaming himself for the repeated mistakes on track. He emphasized that the team was performing well, noting Charles Leclerc’s achievement of pole position as proof that the car was capable of faster times. Hamilton’s admission of fault came across as candid and deeply self-critical, hinting at the immense pressure he faces while trying to deliver success for Ferrari.

Despite efforts to uplift his results, Hamilton confessed that the pace of the Ferrari challenger remains a limiting factor. The contrast between his and Leclerc’s performance in qualifying further compounded Hamilton’s disappointment, leading him to suggest that Ferrari might consider replacing him to achieve better outcomes.

It’s me every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless. Team’s not the problem, can see the other car on pole. Team probably needs to change driver.
—Lewis Hamilton, Sky Sports F1

Reflection on Recent Qualifying Performances and Sunday’s Race Prospect

Hamilton’s struggles at the Hungarian GP followed a similarly difficult outing at the Belgian GP, where he was knocked out even earlier in qualifying, failing to progress past Q1. However, he managed to recover impressively during the Belgian race itself, climbing from 18th on the grid to finish in seventh place. When questioned about his mindset going into Hungary’s race, Hamilton expressed low expectations based on his qualifying performance.

He maintained a straightforward and grim outlook on the day’s session, finding very little cause for optimism aside from Leclerc’s pole position. Hamilton’s remarks underscored the stark difference in performance between the two Ferrari drivers while demonstrating his internal frustration with his own form.

No. Not really much… There’s nothing positive about today, apart from the fact that Charles is on pole, which is.. Congratulations to him. Its really great for the team.
—Lewis Hamilton, post-session interview

When asked about specific issues during Q2, Hamilton denied having technical problems, instead suggesting that his own performance was lacking. His candid comments reflected a season characterized by fluctuations and challenges that persist into the midpoint of 2025.

Challenges on Track and Hamilton’s Determination to Fight Back

Although Hamilton starts the Hungarian GP in 12th position, his history of making strong comebacks from suboptimal grid spots gives some hope for his race day performance. He likened his potential recovery drive to his early karting days, where he often had to claw his way through the field. Nonetheless, the 40-year-old’s assessment remains that his qualifying results do not currently match the team’s capabilities.

Charles Leclerc’s success in securing pole position for the Hungarian GP further highlights the contrast within the Ferrari squad. Leclerc’s pace demonstrates that the car can perform well under the right conditions, intensifying the spotlight on Hamilton’s qualifications difficulties and the urgency for him to find solutions.

With the race looming, all eyes will remain on Hamilton to observe how he rebounds from yet another disappointing qualifying session and whether he can turn around his fortunes in Hungary.