Lewis Hamilton faced intense criticism from the international press following a disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished 12th and failed to score any points. The British driver’s struggles have fueled speculation about his future with Ferrari as the 40-year-old openly questioned his place on the team.

The Lewis Hamilton Hungary Grand Prix struggles dominated headlines, with Italian and German outlets particularly severe, while British media also expressed concern over his form and mindset.

Italian Press Portrays Hamilton as Disconnected and Demoralized

The Italian press, loyal to Ferrari’s passionate fan base known as the Tifosi, did not hold back after Hamilton’s lackluster performance. Corriere dello Sport described him as “mute and listless,” noting how he appeared detached, with his eyes fixed downward throughout the race weekend.

One commentary captured the mood:

“A phenomenon of communication that now struggles to speak, alternating disarming statements with circumstantial phrases. Lewis looks like a schoolboy who has reluctantly popped out of the back of the blackboard. With an extreme need to leave for any destination without curves, kerbs, people dressed in red.”

—Corriere dello Sport

The publication gave Hamilton a low score of 4.5, emphasizing a prolonged crisis that mirrors struggles seen in the career of Michael Schumacher. It suggested that the summer break should be spent in

“fruitful sessions with a mental coach who is able to chase away the fears of these days,”

and hinted Ferrari might consider a different driver if Hamilton cannot regain his form.

A similar tone was present in Gazzetta dello Sport, which rated Hamilton a modest five. It remarked,

“He started twelfth, he finished in the same position. He had never seen himself so sloppy and demoralised. Net of the SF-25’s troubles, it has to shake up. Ferrari needs the real Lewis.”

—Gazzetta dello Sport

La Repubblica was even more critical, rating him a four and calling his race “flat” and a “sad failure” for scoring no points, adding,

“The fans don’t know what to think anymore.”

—La Repubblica

German Media Highlights Internal Conflict and Waning Confidence

German outlets also criticized Hamilton’s performance and mental state. Bild newspaper likened his situation to a

“lame horse caused by a driver at odds with himself.”

It expressed that Hamilton’s intense frustration likely runs deep as his childhood dream of winning championships with Ferrari

“is increasingly turning into a nightmare.”

The paper noted that teammate Charles Leclerc clearly outperforms Hamilton,

“completely under control and the stronger driver.”

Auto Motor und Sport focused on Hamilton’s own words suggesting a driver change, stating,

“Bizarre: Hamilton is basically announcing his own departure. When a Formula 1 driver is this down, it speaks volumes. There is virtually no self-confidence left.”

—Auto Motor und Sport

British Press Voices Concern Over Hamilton’s Confidence and Future

The British media echoed concerns regarding Hamilton’s morale and competitiveness. The Daily Mail described his showing as “dismal,” calling it

“a display that hardly bandaged his wounded psyche.”

—Daily Mail

The tabloid highlighted how the 40-year-old’s confidence has sunk after a high-profile move to Ferrari went flat, noting he trails Leclerc by 42 points after fourteen races without a podium and has only outperformed his teammate twice.

The Telegraph declared the Hungarian Grand Prix performance the

“lowest point of a staggeringly successful career”

for Hamilton. It reported signs of his unhappiness emerged early in the week, pointing out his reticence during the Thursday press conference and worsening form following two poor races in succession. Under the headline

“Lewis Hamilton fuels Ferrari split talk,”

the outlet suggested serious questions arise about his commitment and future.

The BBC also raised similar issues, observing:

“As is often the case when Hamilton struggles, not only does his mood plumb the depths, but the F1 rumour mill spins into overdrive. Was Hamilton over the hill, some wondered after qualifying? Would he even quit Ferrari at the end of the year, or perhaps even before the end of the season?”

—BBC

Following Hamilton’s description of himself as “useless” and his hope to return by the Dutch Grand Prix, The Sun reported widespread worries, stating,

“People are concerned for Lewis Hamilton after his dejected message to his Ferrari colleagues”

following his “nightmare Hungarian Grand Prix.”

—The Sun

Implications for Hamilton’s Career and Ferrari’s Future

Lewis Hamilton’s challenges at the Hungarian Grand Prix have amplified doubts about his ability to perform at his peak within the Ferrari team, especially compared to Charles Leclerc’s dominant form. The stark media reactions from Italy to Britain reflect a growing crisis of confidence for the seven-time world champion.

Given the persistent struggles and openly voiced frustrations, Hamilton’s future with Ferrari appears uncertain as discussions about potential driver changes intensify. The upcoming summer break might offer crucial time for Hamilton to regain mental clarity and reestablish his competitiveness, but the situation remains delicate.

How Hamilton navigates this period will be pivotal for both his legacy and Ferrari’s ambitions in the current Formula 1 season.