Just months ago, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari felt like a blockbuster event in Formula One—something meant to reignite his title hopes and give Ferrari fans a long-awaited reason to dream.
But fast forward to the Hungarian Grand Prix, and things have taken a harsh turn. Hamilton didn’t just fall short—he failed to even make it into Q3.
While that might sting on its own, what made it worse was watching teammate Charles Leclerc snag pole position in the exact same car.
In the F1 media pen afterward, Hamilton didn’t hold back.
“The team, they have no problem – they’ve seen the car is on pole. So, they probably need to change the driver,” he said, bluntly.
Some fans took it as self-deprecating humor. Others saw a driver unraveling under pressure.
Charles Leclerc Steals the Spotlight
While Hamilton was left wrestling with frustration, Charles Leclerc was basking in the spotlight.
The Monegasque driver clinched his 27th career pole—his first ever in Budapest.
It was a moment that cemented his role as Ferrari’s current golden boy and left many wondering where Hamilton truly fits into the team’s future.
And with every Leclerc high, Hamilton’s struggles seem even more pronounced.
That contrast hasn’t gone unnoticed in the paddock, especially by former drivers.
Retirement Whispers Begin to Circle
Former F1 star Ralf Schumacher didn’t mince words when reflecting on Hamilton’s latest comments.
“That’s a tendency. It happens very, very quickly.
I personally experienced the same thing in my own career,” Schumacher said, suggesting Hamilton may already be entertaining thoughts of stepping away.
He also hinted that Ferrari’s focus may naturally be drifting toward Leclerc, who is younger, in form, and clearly more in tune with the car at this stage.
“If things continue like this, Ferrari will have to choose,” Schumacher warned, adding that Hamilton’s growing self-doubt might only deepen the dilemma.
Echoes of Alonso and Vettel Resurface
Before joining Ferrari, Hamilton openly said he didn’t want to follow in the footsteps of Fernando Alonso or Sebastian Vettel—both former world champions who failed to win a title with Ferrari.
Yet now, just a few months in, he might be facing the exact same fate.
Former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli was blunt in his assessment: “His words after qualifying are almost a sign of surrender.
Especially at a track he loves, and with his teammate on pole.”
It’s a sentiment that’s hard to ignore—especially from someone who knows what it’s like to carry the weight of the Prancing Horse.
Vasseur Tries to Steady the Ship
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur, however, is standing by his star signing.
He admitted the car hasn’t clicked with Hamilton’s driving style, something they underestimated at the start of the season.
“The window is tight,” he said, “and the car can’t cope with his driving style.”
Vasseur also reminded fans and critics alike that success takes time.
“You don’t win overnight,” he said. “Ferrari hasn’t won a constructors’ title since 2008 and we want to win again.
We’ve made progress, but we need time to put everything together.”
He believes 2026 will bring a fresh opportunity, not just for Hamilton, but for the whole team.
Is Hamilton Running Out of Time?
With performances like Hungary, questions are now flying around: Can Hamilton bounce back, or has he already hit the ceiling of this Ferrari project?
When the seven-time world champion starts questioning himself out loud, it sends ripples through the garage and the sport as a whole.
So the big question now is—should Ferrari stick with Hamilton through to 2026, or start thinking about a change?