Lewis Hamilton launched a scathing attack on his own performance after qualifying 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix, telling his team that Ferrari should replace him. The seven-time world champion was knocked out in Q2 while his teammate Charles Leclerc took pole position, the first for Ferrari this season.
“It’s me every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless,” Hamilton said. “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So we probably need to change driver.” Hamilton reported no car issues or impediments, simply lacking pace.
His frustration comes after an error in qualifying at the Belgian GP left him 16th. The Hungaroring is a circuit where Hamilton holds records with eight wins and nine poles, but he has now failed to reach Q3 four times this season. Leclerc has outqualified him in ten of 14 races and leads him by 30 points.
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes has been difficult; despite a sprint win in China, he has not made a podium this season. Leclerc, who was surprised by his pole, said: “I definitely did not expect that. It’s probably one of the best pole positions I’ve ever had.” Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris qualified second and third for McLaren.
