Image Source: ESPN
The F1 race time at the Hungarian Grand Prix has stirred quite the conversation, particularly surrounding seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s performance. After qualifying in 12th place, Hamilton made a bold statement, calling himself “absolutely useless” and suggesting that Ferrari may need to reconsider their driver lineup.
Hamilton’s Struggles in Hungary
The qualifying session at the Hungaroring was a nail-biter, with Hamilton missing out on the final round of qualifying by just 0.015 seconds. As the only driver from Ferrari not to make the cut, Hamilton found himself watching from the sidelines as teammate Charles Leclerc took a shocking pole position with a time of 1:15.372.
In a post-qualifying interview, Hamilton did not hold back his frustration. “I am useless. Absolutely useless,” he declared, highlighting his disappointment as he had hoped for a much stronger showing. Hamilton’s struggles have been evident throughout the season, as he has yet to finish on the podium in a Grand Prix since moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.
Leclerc’s Triumph and McLaren’s Dominance
While Hamilton’s day was overshadowed by disappointment, Charles Leclerc’s pole was a bright spot for Ferrari, representing its first of the season. The two McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, followed closely behind in qualifying, securing second and third positions respectively.
Bobbling between confidence and dismay, Hamilton reflected on his performance by noting, “The team has no problem. You can see the car is on pole,” referring to Leclerc’s success. With the team trying to adapt the car to his driving style, Hamilton seemed to doubt whether adjustments would help him at all. He grimly stated, “I don’t think anything can help me right now,” before promising fans that he would give it his all during the race.
The Mountain Ahead for Hamilton
This disappointing qualifying round marks Hamilton’s third lackluster performance over the past two weeks, having also struggled in sprint qualifying in Belgium. Despite showing determination to push forward, the transition to Ferrari has proven challenging for the racing veteran.
Hamilton’s best performance has been a sprint race victory during the Chinese Grand Prix, but with a significant lack of consistency in Grand Prix finishes, the team and fans alike hold their breath to see what improvements may come in the following races.
What Fans Can Look Forward To
With the race day looming, fans of F1 will keenly watch Hamilton’s attempt to rebound from his shaky qualifying session. The weather will be a crucial factor as well, with recent forecasts suggesting conditions could play a role in the outcome. “I don’t think the rain can help me,” Hamilton quipped, reflecting the mounting pressure he faces.
Eager for this F1 race time to commence, both fans and teams are bracing for a race filled with high stakes, unexpected turns, and the ever-present thrill of racing. Whether Hamilton can turn his current fortunes around remains to be seen, but his resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges make for engaging viewing.
FAQ
What time does the Hungarian Grand Prix start?
The Hungarian Grand Prix typically starts in the early afternoon local time. Check local listings for specific details.
What has Lewis Hamilton said about his performance?
Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration after qualifying 12th, stating he felt “absolutely useless” and suggested Ferrari might need to change drivers.
Who took pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix?
Charles Leclerc secured a surprising pole position with a time of 1:15.372, marking Ferrari’s first pole of the season.
How did McLaren perform in qualifying?
McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris qualified in second and third positions, showcasing their strong pace.
What challenges is Hamilton facing at Ferrari?
Hamilton is struggling to adapt to the Ferrari car, having yet to secure a podium finish this season, indicating compatibility issues between his driving style and the car’s setup.