Charles Leclerc on Lewis Hamilton's Hungarian GP Struggles: 'I Have No Doubt It's a One-Off'
Why it matters: Lewis Hamilton has faced an uncharacteristically difficult period in Formula 1, prompting questions about his form. However, his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc is publicly backing him, emphasizing team unity and Hamilton's resilience.
The details:
- Hamilton has endured two challenging weekends, qualifying 18th, 16th, and 12th in recent races, contrasting sharply with Leclerc's 4th, 3rd, and 1st place starting positions.
- Despite a strong recovery drive in the main Belgian GP race, Hamilton finished outside the points in Hungary for the first time in his career.
- His demeanor has shifted significantly; once enthusiastic about his Ferrari move, he recently described himself as "absolutely useless" and suggested Ferrari needed a replacement.
Leclerc's perspective:
- Leclerc insisted his priority is Ferrari's success, not outperforming Hamilton. "My main target at the moment is to bring Ferrari back to the top," he stated.
- After the Hungarian GP, Leclerc expressed full confidence in Hamilton, saying, "Obviously this weekend has been a tough one for Lewis, but I have no doubt it's a one-off, and I'm sure the second part of the season will be a lot more positive."
The big picture: While Hamilton struggles, Leclerc himself faced disappointment in Hungary. After securing pole position and leading much of the race, an "undriveable" car due to an unspecified chassis problem forced him out of podium contention. This highlights the ongoing challenges for Ferrari despite moments of strong performance.
What's next: Leclerc's comments suggest a united front within Ferrari. The focus will be on addressing car issues and both drivers finding consistent form to capitalize on any remaining opportunities in the latter half of the season.