Lewis Hamilton’s comments after a difficult qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where the Ferrari driver called himself “useless” and suggested that the team needed another driver, drew attention around the Formula 1 world.
Lewis Hamilton declares ‘hopefully I’ll be back’ after difficult Hungarian Grand Prix
After a tough weekend at the Hungaroring, Lewis Hamilton offered a cryptic assessment of his F1 performance
Photo by Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
His harsh assessment of his performance continued on Sunday.
After finishing 12th in the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked about those comments by Sky Sports F1, and he offered a cryptic response about both his level of performance and his F1 future.
“When you have a feeling, you have a feeling. There’s a lot going on in the background that is not great,” said Hamilton to Sky Sports F1.
Asked about his mindset heading after the race, Hamilton indicated that he was looking forward to the sport’s annual Summer Shutdown.
“Same as it was yesterday. I’m glad it’s over. I’m looking forward to going away,” said Hamilton in his session with written media members in Hungary.
“I look forward to coming back. Hopefully I’ll be back,” Hamilton then added, offering a rather cryptic look at the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, prominent figures around the paddock came to his defense after a difficult weekend.
“I don’t need to motivate him. He’s frustrated, but not demotivated, you know, it’s a completely different story,” said Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur, who inked a contract extension with the team ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. I can understand the frustration ... we are all frustrated.
“Sometimes just after the race, or just after the qualy, you are very disappointed, and the reaction, the first reaction, is off. But we all know that we are pushing in the same direction. The good side of today is that if we are putting everything, when we are putting everything together, we are able to do the pole position and lead the first 40 laps.”
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali also backed Hamilton over the second half of the season.
“First of all, Lewis is a jewel, he is an incredible athlete, so no matter if it is a difficult moment, he will react, and I’m pretty sure he will show the reason why he is here,” noted Domenicali to Sky Sports F1.
“He wants to achieve his eighth title, and he will triumph again. So, stay with Lewis and he will do a great race, and be very, very strong after the summer [break].”
Hamilton is a seven-time Drivers’ Champion and has shown in spurts this season that he can fight at the front.
Ferrari fans are hoping to see more of that after the break, when Hamilton returns rejuvenated for the battles that lie ahead.
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