Is Ferrari F1 in Big Trouble? Insights from the 2025 Hungarian GP

The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix has raised more questions than answers for Ferrari’s Formula 1 team. After a weekend filled with tension, frustration, and unexpected results, it’s clear that the Scuderia is facing serious challenges. From Lewis Hamilton’s candid post-qualifying remarks to Charles Leclerc’s visible dissatisfaction during the race, this event exposed cracks within the Italian outfit that fans and pundits alike cannot ignore. In this article, we’ll break down everything that unfolded at the Hungaroring, analyze the implications for Ferrari, and touch on other notable moments from the race weekend.

Lewis Hamilton’s Shocking Self-Doubt

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, rarely shows signs of self-doubt publicly. Yet, after qualifying for the Hungarian GP, he stunned the paddock with his raw admission: “It’s me every time. I’m useless. Absolutely useless. The team have no problem. You’ve seen the cars on pole, so we probably need to change the driver.”

This kind of statement from a driver of Hamilton’s caliber is almost unprecedented, especially in mainstream media. It suggests a deep personal frustration and a sense that his performance is not living up to his own expectations or the team’s standards. Hamilton qualified twelfth and finished the race in the same position, a full eight places behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, who secured pole position.

Observing Hamilton’s behavior outside the FIA garage after qualifying gave further insight into his mindset. Wearing his helmet and shielding his face with his gloves, he seemed intent on hiding any emotional response from the waiting media, indicating the pressure he was under.

Charles Leclerc’s Visible Frustration

If Hamilton’s comments were a shock, Charles Leclerc’s frustration was loud and clear during the race. Despite starting on pole and leading for a significant portion, Leclerc finished fifth, two places shy of a podium finish. His radio messages revealed his anger with the team’s strategy and race management:

“This is so incredibly frustrating. We’ve lost all competitiveness. You just have to listen to me. I would have found a different way of managing these issues. Now it’s just undrivable. It’s a miracle if we finish on the podium.”

Leclerc’s sentiments aren’t new; he has previously voiced dissatisfaction about team strategy. However, the frequency and intensity of these moments suggest deeper issues within Ferrari’s race operations. Post-race, Leclerc retracted his comments somewhat, explaining that he had spoken too quickly and that he had since received more information about the problems faced during the race. Nevertheless, it’s evident that Ferrari has work to do before the season resumes at Zandvoort.

Team Dynamics and Behind-the-Scenes Tensions

Both drivers hinted at internal challenges affecting performance. Hamilton mentioned “a lot going on in the background” without elaborating, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about possible technical, strategic, or personnel issues within the team.

Leclerc’s frustration with race strategy and Hamilton’s unexpected self-criticism suggest a team struggling to find harmony and optimal performance. The disparity in qualifying and race results between the two drivers further highlights inconsistencies that Ferrari must address to remain competitive in the championship.

Race Highlights Beyond Ferrari

While much attention focused on Ferrari, the Hungarian GP provided plenty of excitement and memorable moments elsewhere. Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, delivered a spectacular and gritty victory, holding off a fast-charging Oscar Piastri. Their duel was riveting television and injected fresh energy into the championship battle, which now heads into the second half of the season with several drivers neck and neck.

Post-race, Norris shared a heartfelt moment with his girlfriend Maggie, which became one of the most popular social media posts of the weekend, reaching over 1.6 million views. Unfortunately, this popularity also attracted some unwarranted negative comments, which were promptly removed to protect privacy and respect.

Notable Moments from the Podium and Media Pen

The podium ceremony brought some lighter moments amid the tension. George Russell humorously corrected the orientation of the trophy he was holding for the media, flipping it right-side up after initially holding it upside down. Meanwhile, Norris carefully moved a trophy aside to grab teammate Oscar Piastri’s, recalling an earlier incident where Max Verstappen’s trophy was accidentally broken on the podium.

In the media pen, Gabriel Bortoleto impressed with a strong sixth-place finish, spending much of the race behind Fernando Alonso, who finished fifth. Alonso’s manager praised Bortoleto’s performance, highlighting the rising talent within the F1 grid.

One interesting detail from the media pen was the FIA crew’s meticulous record-keeping. They tracked the exact time each driver entered and exited the pen, underscoring the compulsory nature of these media duties and the organizational precision behind the scenes.

Behind the Scenes: Off-Track Stories and Observations

Beyond the track action, the race weekend featured some fascinating off-track moments. Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 boss, was spotted chatting with Gabriel Bortoleto, bringing a touch of F1 history to the event. Also present was András Arató, better known as “Hide the Pain Harold,” a famous Hungarian internet personality, who was attending as a guest of the FIA and enjoyed considerable popularity among the drivers.

There were also amusing anecdotes, such as Max Verstappen helping a young fan who slipped while running toward him for a selfie. This human moment highlighted the accessibility and warmth of the drivers despite the intense competition.

Driver Parking and Car Park Chronicles

An unexpected highlight came from observing how drivers parked their cars in the paddock. Not all drivers personally handle their vehicles; sometimes trainers or PR staff take the wheel. Nonetheless, some parking jobs stood out:

• Fernando Alonso’s DBX was parked slightly over the line, costing him a mark.
• Isack Hadjar didn’t reverse far enough into his bay.
• Liam Lawson parked a bit too close to the edge but stayed inside the line.
• Lewis Hamilton was also a bit too close to the front line.

Most other drivers scored well in this unorthodox parking “competition.”

Race Logistics: From Track to City and Beyond

After the race, drivers and teams began their journeys back, often under police escort. While many sped back to the city, some opted for helicopter transfers from the track to the airport for private flights, highlighting the demanding schedules and logistical complexities of modern Formula 1.

FIA Flag Protocol and Celebrity Involvement

The Hungarian GP also featured some interesting flag-related moments. Axl Rose from Guns N’ Roses had the honor of waving the checkered flag, a celebrity tradition at some events. However, it’s important to note that two checkered flags are usually waved: one by a dignitary or celebrity near the fence, often embroidered with names, and the official one from the finish box, which carries no writing.

Regarding the flag waved at the back of the grid at race starts, this duty typically falls to a long-serving marshal, sometimes the same person for multiple years, underscoring the essential role of experienced officials in race operations.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Ferrari

With 14 races completed and 10 remaining in the 2025 season, the Hungarian GP has highlighted significant challenges for Ferrari. Between Hamilton’s rare public self-criticism and Leclerc’s frustration with team strategy, it’s clear the Italian team must regroup during the summer break.

Improvements in car performance, race strategy, and internal communication will be critical as the championship battle intensifies. The upcoming race at Zandvoort marks the second half of the season, where Ferrari will need to show resilience and adaptability to keep their title hopes alive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Lewis Hamilton say he felt “useless” after qualifying?

Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with his performance after qualifying twelfth, far behind his teammate Charles Leclerc who took pole position. His comment reflected personal disappointment and possibly underlying issues within the team affecting his competitiveness.

What caused Charles Leclerc’s anger during the race?

Leclerc was frustrated with the team’s race strategy and management, which he felt compromised his competitiveness and chances of finishing on the podium. He later retracted his comments, acknowledging he had spoken too quickly and had received more information post-race.

How did Lando Norris secure his win at the Hungarian GP?

Norris delivered a gritty and determined performance, holding off a fast-charging Oscar Piastri to claim victory. Their fierce battle made for exciting viewing and tightened the championship standings.

What off-track moments stood out during the Hungarian GP weekend?

Notable moments included Bernie Ecclestone’s interaction with Gabriel Bortoleto, the presence of “Hide the Pain Harold” as an FIA guest, and Max Verstappen’s kind gesture to a young fan who slipped while approaching him for a selfie.

How is the media pen managed at F1 races?

The FIA keeps strict records of when each driver enters and leaves the media pen, as attendance is compulsory. This ensures drivers fulfill their media obligations efficiently and consistently.

What improvements does Ferrari need before the next race?

Ferrari must address internal team dynamics, improve race strategy, and enhance car performance to regain competitiveness. Both drivers’ frustration signals a need for better communication and operational cohesion.