Lewis Hamilton doubts deepen as Vasseur steadies Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton's troubled start to life at Ferrari hit a fresh low in Hungary, with the seven-time world champion calling himself “useless” after a painful Q2 exit.

“The team, they have no problem, you’ve seen the car is on pole,” said Hamilton, who qualified a long way behind teammate Charles Leclerc. “So, they probably need to change driver.”

The comments have sparked renewed speculation about the 40-year-old’s future. Just a week after insisting he didn’t want to follow the path of Vettel or Alonso at Ferrari, some now believe he may be heading in the direction of retirement.

Ralf Schumacher, speaking on Sky Deutschland, said: “That’s a tendency. It happens very, very quickly. I personally experienced the same thing. I handed the car in a year early.” Schumacher warned that Leclerc’s growing influence may be accelerating the pressure. “If things continue like this, Ferrari will have to choose one driver. Now he’s starting to doubt himself more and more.”

Former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli said Hamilton’s words in Budapest were “almost a sign of surrender.” He told Sky Italia: “It’s a terrible blow on a track he loves, with his teammate on pole. Even with updates, he can’t push to the limit. His instincts can’t be overturned now.”

Team boss Frederic Vasseur defended Hamilton, but admitted the transition was underestimated. “He spent twenty years in the same environment,” he told Sky Italia. “It’s a huge change. The car can’t cope with his driving style yet. But I want both cars fighting for podiums.”

Vasseur also welcomed the end of speculation about his own position. “There were some rumours in the press. It wasn’t easy for the stability of the team. It’s behind us and that’s good news,” he told RTBF. While the length of his new deal remains undisclosed, Vasseur thanked Ferrari for backing his long-term vision.

“You don’t win overnight. It takes years. The proof is Christian Horner or Jean Todt. We want to win again.” Ferrari hasn’t won a constructors’ title since 2008, but Vasseur believes the pieces are falling into place. “We’ve made progress, but we need time. 2026 will be a great opportunity.”

He also praised Leclerc’s approach during a difficult season. “He never gave up. He’s pushed the team and works very well with Lewis.”