Hamilton Struggles Continue Amid Leclerc Support
Lewis Hamilton’s challenging season in Formula 1 has raised eyebrows, but he has found a steadfast ally in Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver recently downplayed any competitive rivalry, stating, “I have no doubt it’s a one-off,” regarding Hamilton’s recent struggles and emphasising his aim of restoring Ferrari’s former glory.
Hamilton’s Recent Performance Woes
The 2023 season has proven to be particularly tough for Hamilton, who has faced difficulties unlike any other in his storied career. Over the last two weekends, the seven-time champion qualified in 18th, 16th, and 12th positions—far below his standards—while Leclerc showcased a much stronger performance, securing fourth, third, and ultimately first on the same circuits.
Despite making some headway during the Belgian Grand Prix on a damp track, Hamilton’s weekend culminated in a disappointing result at the Hungaroring, marking the first time in his career he finished outside the points.
An Uncharacteristic Demeanour
Hamilton’s struggles have impacted not just his performance on track but also his public persona. Just six months into his tenure with Ferrari, the Briton is notably less enthusiastic, often delivering terse, monosyllabic responses to media queries. After voicing his frustrations post-qualifying, he described himself as “absolutely useless,” even hinting that Ferrari might consider looking for a replacement.
Leclerc’s Solidarity Amidst Struggles
In contrast, Leclerc remains committed to the team’s collective success. Following Hamilton’s rough outings, the Monegasque driver expressed his desire for both drivers to excel, stating, “At the end we are one team… I want both of us to be successful.”
Leclerc’s positive outlook may not be misplaced; as he stated, “I have no doubt it’s a one-off,” reinforcing the belief that Hamilton is likely to bounce back during the latter half of the season.
A Tough Break for Leclerc
While Hamilton is grappling with his own challenges, Leclerc faced a setback in Hungary when an unspecified chassis issue caused him to drop out of podium contention. Frustrated yet hopeful, he lamented, “We knew that this was one opportunity probably over the season… but unfortunately with this issue we couldn’t do much.”
As the season progresses, both drivers will be looking to turn their fortunes around and reclaim Ferrari’s position at the forefront of Formula 1.
