‘I’m absolutely useless’ – Hamilton says Ferrari ‘probably need to change driver’ after painful Q2 exit in Hungary

Lewis Hamilton cut a dejected figure at the end of Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, with the seven-time World Champion dropping out in Q2 before Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc took pole position.

Hamilton described a “big struggle” after Friday’s practice sessions at the Hungaroring, admitting he was “quite far off” the pace, but there were signs of encouragement in FP3 when he shadowed Leclerc in fourth position.

However, when it came to the all-important Qualifying hour, Hamilton could go no further than the second phase, winding up in 12th position and referencing previous struggles when he sighed “every time, every time” over the radio.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 to reflect on his session, a visibly upset Hamilton simply stated: “I’m useless, absolutely useless.”

Pushed on whether he has any answers, with Ferrari working hard to improve the SF-25 via recent updates, Hamilton added: “The team, they have no problem – you’ve seen the car is on pole. So, they probably need to change driver.”

In a separate interview for F1 TV, it was put to Hamilton that his “useless” self-assessment cannot be the case, given his incredible F1 record, but the Briton replied: “It clearly is. I drove terribly. It is what it is.”

Hamilton’s Q2 exit in Hungary follows on from a Q1 elimination last time out at the Belgian Grand Prix, though he managed to recover from a subsequent pit lane start to finish seventh in the race and win Driver of the Day.