Lewis Hamilton Enters 2025 Summer Break in Crisis After Struggles Deepen at Hungarian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton heads into the 2025 Formula 1 summer break urgently needing a fresh start, as his difficult first season with Ferrari reached a new low at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The 40-year-old finally fulfilled his lifelong ambition of driving for Ferrari this year, yet the campaign has fallen far short of his expectations and dreams.
Despite joining the iconic Italian team, Hamilton remains without a podium finish after 14 races in the season. His performance at last Sunday’s Hungarian GP marked his worst result as a Ferrari driver to date, finishing only in 12th place. This was the first time the seven-time world champion ended a race weekend for the Scuderia outside of the points-paying positions.
Lewis Hamilton’s only other non-points finish came during Ferrari’s infamous double disqualification in China earlier this year, where he was removed from the results despite qualifying fifth. In stark contrast, at the Hungaroring he qualified down in 12th, illustrating his ongoing struggles adapting to the Ferrari SF-25.
According to reports from the Italian media, the British driver described himself as feeling “useless” following his qualifying performance in Hungary. Rather than doubting his own driving skills, the 105-time Grand Prix winner was expressing frustration over his perceived limited impact in helping Ferrari develop a competitive race car. He even went so far as to suggest that the team might need to consider changing drivers, a remark made more striking given his teammate Charles Leclerc secured Ferrari’s first pole position of the 2025 season at the same event.
Hamilton’s difficulties in adjusting to the SF-25 have left him in what insiders describe as a “tailspin” of despair, severely damaging his confidence. The Briton is reportedly questioning whether he can contribute enough to help Ferrari evolve into a championship-winning team once again. This uncertainty weighs heavily, given that Ferrari has not won a Formula 1 drivers’ championship since Kimi Räikkönen denied Hamilton the title during his rookie season back in 2007. Additionally, Ferrari’s last constructors’ championship came in 2008—the year Hamilton won his first drivers’ title with McLaren.
The seven-time world champion’s admission of feeling “useless” at the Hungarian Grand Prix has raised serious questions about his mindset and future with the Scuderia. Many are hoping the upcoming summer break will provide Hamilton with the opportunity to reset mentally and physically. He will be aiming to return at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 29-31 ready to prove that he is far from “useless,” both on track and within the Ferrari team.
Veteran commentator Martin Brundle felt that Lewis Hamilton’s “useless” admission was perhaps “better left unsaid,” as it cast an even harsher spotlight on the driver than his disappointing 12th place qualifying result, especially with Leclerc claiming pole position. The Hungarian GP was the fourth occasion in 14 races that Lewis Hamilton failed to reach Q3 in qualifying for Ferrari.
Meanwhile, former world champion Damon Hill reflected on Hamilton’s comments, stating it can be “tough to know when it’s time” to retire, alluding to the psychological pressures Hamilton faces. Hamilton’s downbeat remarks also brought to mind memories for Ralf Schumacher about his own decision to step away from the sport.
Despite all this, the Stevenage-born driver has given no indication that retirement is imminent. After the Hungarian GP, Hamilton affirmed that he “still loves racing,” though he did not elaborate on why he was so critical of himself after qualifying 12th, especially coming just a week after a 16th place qualifying position in Belgium.
As the season now pauses, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s mindset and performance when the championship resumes, with many eager to see whether he can turn around what has so far been a challenging and confidence-shaking year with Ferrari.
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