Lewis Hamilton‘s time with Ferrari hit another low at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, as the seven-time world champion failed to score any points over the weekend. Hamilton described his qualifying session as “useless,” falling far short of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured pole position, while Hamilton did not even reach the top 10. His poor performance in qualifying and the race intensified calls from Hamilton himself for a change in Ferrari’s driver lineup, suggesting deeper issues within the team.
Despite avoiding a collision with Max Verstappen during the race, Hamilton finished twelfth, failing to gain any positions. Meanwhile, Leclerc dropped to fourth place but remained significantly ahead of Hamilton. The British driver’s frustration was evident as he hinted at internal problems at Ferrari’s Maranello base that could be affecting their performance this season.
Hamilton Reflects on Ferrari Situation and Team Dynamics
When questioned about his statement on Ferrari potentially needing a new driver, Hamilton maintained a guarded tone, refusing to elaborate extensively on his reasoning. He admitted that his comment stemmed from a personal feeling about the current circumstances rather than specific criticisms. Suggesting a complicated backdrop, Hamilton indicated there are ongoing issues behind the scenes at Ferrari that are far from ideal.
Not particularly, when you have a feeling you have a feeling. There’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great so.
—Lewis Hamilton, post-race interview
Looking Ahead: Hamilton’s Determination After Summer Break
Hamilton entered the 2025 season hoping to deliver a strong debut for Ferrari but has so far managed only a sprint race victory without other notable results. He has invested considerable effort collaborating closely with his team, even preparing detailed reports for Ferrari’s engineers in Maranello to help improve the car’s performance. Following the disappointment in Hungary, Hamilton now faces a short break to recover and regroup.
Despite the current struggles, Hamilton expressed confidence in Ferrari’s potential, especially given Leclerc’s pace and recent upgrades. He stressed that the real challenge lies in consistently extracting more speed from the car throughout the remainder of the season. Determined to bounce back, the 40-year-old confirmed he would return stronger, focusing on helping Ferrari bridge the gap to front-runners.
Team Challenges and the Future of Ferrari’s Driver Lineup
Hamilton’s candid remarks have raised questions regarding Ferrari’s stability and the effectiveness of its current driver pairing. The tension surrounding the team’s performance and internal environment could lead to significant changes moving forward. As the 2025 campaign progresses, how Ferrari addresses these difficulties and whether they consider altering their driving roster will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The outcome of these developments will be critical to Ferrari’s ambitions in the highly competitive Formula 1 season, with pressure increasing to deliver results as the championship enters its decisive phase.