Martin Brundle: Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles “Painful to Watch” at Hungarian GP

Lewis Hamilton endured a tough weekend at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, finishing P12 from the same starting position. Former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle called Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari “painful to watch.” Hamilton, who joined Ferrari from Mercedes this season, labeled himself “useless” and suggested the team consider a replacement. Despite this, he remains optimistic about using the summer break to regroup.

Hamilton failed to reach Q3, starting from P12, his worst grid position this season. “I’m completely useless,” he said after qualifying, urging Ferrari to find another driver. In the race, he made no significant progress, finishing P12. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that’s not great,” Hamilton told Sky Sports post-race. Brundle, commentating at Hungaroring, noted Hamilton’s low spirits. “He’s clearly in a tough personal place,” Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports column, “and during the race, he stayed in P12 with no signs of progress.”

Hamilton was involved in an incident with Max Verstappen at the fast and challenging Turn 4. Verstappen attempted an aggressive overtake, but Hamilton chose to run off track to avoid contact. He declined to attend the stewards’ inquiry, leaving the decision to his team. Verstappen, who attended and provided a rational explanation, escaped a penalty. Brundle suggested Hamilton’s actions reflected his despondency, as he “seemed to want to punish himself” with his post-qualifying remarks and post-race demeanor.

While Hamilton struggled, teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole position impressively, capitalizing on changing wind and light rain in Q3. Leclerc led early with strong pace, but Ferrari’s performance faded later. Leclerc reported car issues over the radio, possibly due to a ride height set too low, risking a “plank” rule violation like in the Chinese GP. Despite this, Leclerc outperformed Hamilton, highlighting a stark contrast in their performances.

In Ferrari’s debrief, Hamilton expressed eagerness for the summer break to “reset and recharge.” Brundle called the break “perfectly timed.” “It’s painful to watch this great champion in such strife,” Brundle added, “and we must hope he can weather this storm and return to form, but otherwise, it’s hard to see him enduring two more seasons at Ferrari or elsewhere.” With seven world titles, Hamilton is expected to rebound at the next race, the Dutch GP, August 29-31, 2025.

Hamilton’s Ferrari struggles were a focal point at the Hungarian GP. With only a Sprint win in China and no grand prix podiums, his debut Ferrari season has been challenging. The summer break offers a key opportunity to rebuild team synergy. For F1 updates and driver profiles, visit SPORTRIK.