An anonymous race performance
Following a disappointing qualifying session that saw Lewis Hamilton finish only twelfth, the Scuderia Ferrari team opted for an alternative race strategy for the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton started the race on the hard compound tire, with the hope of extending his opening stint and gaining positions as others pitted earlier. However, a difficult launch off the line saw the British driver drop back to fourteenth place almost immediately. From there, he became stuck in one of the usual DRS trains that form at the Hungaroring, which severely limited his overtaking opportunities. Ultimately, Hamilton crossed the finish line in twelfth position, outside the points and far from his target.
Fred Vasseur’s analysis
At the end of the race, Lewis Hamilton apologized over the team radio for what he described as a disappointing weekend and for failing to contribute any points to Scuderia Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship campaign.
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur gave his perspective on Hamilton’s race: “We were aware that the race start would be difficult with that tire compound, and as expected, Lewis found himself stuck in a DRS train. We had taken a risk by opting for a one-stop strategy in the hopes of bringing him back into the points, but in the end, it was simply a weekend to forget.”
Frédéric Vasseur was also asked for a reaction to the sharp and critical remarks made by Lewis Hamilton after Saturday’s qualifying session. The Ferrari team boss played down the tension: “I understand that yesterday Lewis was very demanding — of the team, of the car, of me, and also of himself. That is the mindset of a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion.” – the French manager concluded at the end of the race which was held at the Hungaroring racetrack located on the outskirts of Budapest, within the village of Mogyoród.
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