Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has responded to the harsh and self-critical remarks made by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, following the British driver’s disappointing qualifying performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The words from the Mercedes team principal
“I am useless, Ferrari should change their driver.” These were the blunt and self-deprecating words Lewis Hamilton used after being eliminated in Q2 during Saturday’s qualifying session at the Hungaroring. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, aside from brief flashes of competitiveness during Sprint races in China and Miami, has failed to reach the podium throughout the 2025 season so far. His situation is becoming increasingly concerning, particularly in qualifying, where Charles Leclerc has consistently outpaced him on pure one-lap pace.
Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton’s long-time former team principal at Mercedes, addressed the Briton’s comments after the race. “Yes, his words were harsh,” Wolff said during the post-race press conference, “but Lewis Hamilton has always been open and transparent when it comes to self-criticism and recognising when his own performance has fallen short. He speaks with his heart on his sleeve.” – the Austrian billionaire investor, motorsport executive and former racing driver pointed out.
Toto Wolff, who worked with Lewis Hamilton during his most successful years in Formula 1 at Mercedes, also had an important reminder for his former driver—something he believes Hamilton must keep in mind during difficult times: “Lewis simply needs to remember that he is the GOAT—the greatest of all time. That’s a fact no one can take away from him. Even if a weekend, a single race, or even an entire season does not go according to plan, Lewis must never forget who he is. He is the GOAT.” – the Mercedes team boss concluded after the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend in Budapest.
Leave a Reply