BREAKING: Fred Vasseur insists Lewis Hamilton will not walk…. Read more
Fred Vasseur insists Lewis Hamilton will not walk…. Read more
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has firmly denied speculation that Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of quitting either the Scuderia or Formula 1, following a turbulent Hungarian Grand Prix weekend marred by dismal performances and alarming comments from the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton had a nightmare qualifying session, later declaring, “I was useless,” before bluntly suggesting that Ferrari might be better off signing “another driver.” When asked after Sunday’s race if he was joking, he replied, “No, no, I was completely serious.”
Speaking to Sky Italia after the Grand Prix, Hamilton admitted he had no expectations for the 2025 season, but said, “So far it’s been much worse than any other season I’ve had.” He added, “Did I mean what I said? It’s a feeling. There’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great. I’m just looking forward to not working for a while.”
Despite the emotional outburst, Vasseur assured fans that Hamilton is not going anywhere.
“No, no, he will definitely continue driving for us,” said the Ferrari boss. “We spoke yesterday afternoon, in the evening, and this morning. I understand his reaction. Lewis is extremely demanding—not just of the team or of me—but mostly of himself. That’s why he’s a seven-time world champion. He pushes everyone, especially himself.”
Spanish F1 commentator Antonio Lobato told DAZN that Hamilton appeared to have hit “rock bottom,” emotionally and mentally. “It’s the worst version of Lewis we’ve ever seen in terms of motivation,” Lobato remarked. “He’s made some very harsh comments about himself. He needs to find a way out of this, and he might not be able to do it alone.”
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher also weighed in, expressing concern that Hamilton could be seriously considering retirement. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali remained optimistic. “I’m pretty sure Lewis will prove again why he’s here,” he said. “He wants that eighth title, and he will achieve it.”
Even Bernie Ecclestone, who was spotted in the Hungarian paddock, chimed in with a characteristic quip. Referring to speculation that he and Christian Horner might invest in Alpine, Ecclestone joked, “Lewis is more likely to win an eighth title than that.”
Hamilton’s former team boss at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, also shared his thoughts, supporting the Briton. “Lewis never hides his emotions. He’s had moments of self-doubt before. But let’s not forget—he’s the greatest driver of all time. No one can take that from him,” said Wolff. “He still has unfinished business in Formula 1. Mercedes didn’t handle these regulations well. Lewis has never been at ease with ground effect cars. But 2026 brings an entirely new era—new cars, new power units, and a different driving style. That will suit him better.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who had claimed pole in Hungary, endured a frustrating Sunday, finishing in P4 after fading dramatically in race pace. Leclerc and Vasseur both pointed to possible chassis-related issues as a reason for the drop-off.
George Russell suggested that Ferrari might have raised tyre pressures or adjusted the engine mode to avoid floor damage, leading to a loss in performance.
“He won’t say how close they were to crossing the line,” Russell said. “But judging by the lap times and their engine mode, that’s the most logical explanation.”
As Ferrari battles to get their season back on track, the spotlight remains firmly on Hamilton—his motivation, his mindset, and his future.
About The Author
