Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula One has been thrown into doubt following a disappointing 12th-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion cut a dejected figure at the Hungaroring, both during and after the race weekend, fueling speculation about his commitment to continuing in the sport beyond the summer break.
Starting 12th on the grid after a qualifying session he described as “absolutely useless,” Hamilton showed little improvement during Sunday’s race. Despite Ferrari’s efforts, the Briton failed to make a meaningful impact on the field, while McLaren’s Lando Norris secured victory ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
Hamilton’s post-race demeanor was notably withdrawn. When questioned about his critical remarks from Saturday, he stood by his sentiments, saying, “When you have a feeling, you have a feeling.” He hinted at deeper issues by admitting, “There is a lot going on in the background that is not great,” though he refrained from clarifying whether his concerns were personal or professional.
Asked if he still enjoyed racing, Hamilton responded, “I still love it, I still love the team,” yet his interactions remained cold and sparse. When pressed on his attitude, he simply said, “I’ve got nothing else to say,” further casting uncertainty over his current state of mind.
The cryptic tone continued when asked whether he would compete in the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break. “Hopefully I will be back, yeah,” was all Hamilton offered, prompting questions about his commitment and potential early exit from Ferrari or even Formula One altogether.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the emotional weight of the weekend, describing Hamilton as “frustrated, but not demotivated.” He praised Hamilton’s high standards and competitive drive, expressing confidence in the driver’s eventual return to form.
Despite the tough weekend, many within the paddock believe Hamilton still has the hunger to compete at the highest level. His emotional transparency, though unsettling to some, is nothing new. The coming weeks may prove pivotal as the F1 world waits to see whether Hamilton will return for the Dutch GP and if he still sees a future with Ferrari, or in the sport at all.
