Why it matters:
Lewis Hamilton's self-criticism following a challenging Hungarian Grand Prix, where he described himself as "useless," has been openly dismissed as "nonsense" by former teammate George Russell. These comments highlight the intense pressure and emotional toll F1 can take, even on a seven-time World Champion.
The context:
Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari for the 2025 season has not started as planned. Currently, he trails his teammate Charles Leclerc by 42 points. Leclerc has secured all five of Ferrari's podiums and their sole pole position of the 2025 season.
The details:
- Hamilton exited in Q2 at the Hungaroring, a track where he holds a record eight victories. This prompted his frustrated remarks to Sky F1: "It’s me, every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless. The team has no problems. You’ve seen the [other] car is on pole. They probably need to change driver."
- Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, George Russell, Hamilton's Mercedes teammate from 2022-2024, addressed these comments directly.
- "Of course, he’s talking nonsense when he says something like that, because he’s the greatest driver of all time, I think," Russell stated.
- Russell attributed Hamilton's emotional outburst to the immediate post-session media scrutiny, noting, "When you have a bad day, that’s how you feel. When you have a good day, everything changes."
- He reaffirmed Hamilton's skill, citing his Sprint race victory in China earlier this year as proof he "clearly still got it."
Looking ahead:
Russell also acknowledged the challenging nature of Formula 1, especially when the team isn't performing at its peak, and praised Leclerc as an "amazing driver." Hamilton's opportunity for a fresh start and a potential return to championship contention is anticipated with the significant chassis and power unit regulation changes in F1 2026. Russell believes that this is what Hamilton "sort of lives for."