Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton recently described himself as 'useless' after a disappointing qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His former Mercedes teammate, George Russell, has swiftly dismissed these comments, attributing them to raw emotion rather than a true reflection of Hamilton's ability.
Why it matters
Hamilton's move to Ferrari has been challenging, marked by being consistently outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc. This public self-criticism, following a Q2 elimination in Hungary and a non-points finish, highlights the immense pressure and emotional toll of his current campaign. Russell's support underscores the inherent difficulty of F1 and the transient nature of a driver's immediate feelings post-race.
The details
- Russell's Perspective: George Russell stated, "Of course he's talking nonsense when he says something like that because he's the greatest driver of all time." He explained that such remarks often come from the intense emotions experienced by drivers immediately after a race session.
- Hamilton's Performance: Despite a difficult season, Hamilton secured a sprint race victory earlier in China, demonstrating his enduring skill. However, he currently stands sixth in the championship, 42 points behind Leclerc, and is yet to achieve a Grand Prix podium this year.
- Focus on Enjoyment: Looking ahead to the final 10 rounds of the 2025 season, Hamilton revealed his primary goal is to regain enjoyment in racing. He emphasized the importance of shutting out external 'noise' and rediscovering his passion for the sport, especially after joining a team he'd always dreamed of driving for.
What's next
Hamilton aims to shift his focus from performance pressure to the pure love of racing as the season progresses. His remarks suggest a potential psychological reset for the upcoming races, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix. This change in mindset could be crucial for Ferrari as they navigate the remainder of the challenging season.