Lewis Hamilton was left dejected and brutally self-critical after a miserable Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session, calling himself "absolutely useless" in a raw post-session interview.
The seven-time world champion finished 12th—marking the first time he's failed to reach Q3 at the Hungaroring on pure pace.
“The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole," Hamilton told reporters. "I’m useless. Absolutely useless. Probably need to change the driver.”
His comments weren’t just unfiltered—they were uncharacteristically defeatist. Hungary has long been one of Hamilton’s strongest tracks. He’s won there eight times and has never missed Q3 on merit—until now.
The mood was a stark contrast to a dramatic and tightly packed qualifying session, which delivered the closest Q3 in F1 history. Just 0.512 seconds separated all 10 drivers.
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The shock came from Charles Leclerc, who snatched pole for Ferrari in a stunning lap that even surprised the Scuderia.
McLaren followed close behind, with Oscar Piastri in P2 and Lando Norris in P3—putting both cars in striking distance for Sunday’s race.
For Hamilton, the question now is not just technical—it’s psychological. He’s endured slumps before, but rarely with this level of visible doubt.
Still, if any driver can rise from defeat, it’s Hamilton. His comeback stories are etched into the sport’s history.
But with younger stars stealing the spotlight and Ferrari on the rise, time—and confidence—may not be on his side.
Hungary has humbled a legend. Now, the world waits to see what he’s really made of.
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