“I’m completely useless.” That was how Lewis Hamilton summed up his qualifying performance at the 2025 Hungarian GP, after finishing 12th while teammate Charles Leclerc clinched pole position. One year later, the tables have turned. Yet during his Thursday (23) media duties at the Hungaroring, the seven-time world champion looked back on those days when he hit rock bottom as a Ferrari driver.

It marked his lowest point, filled with behind-the-scenes struggles that he insists remain unknown to the public. He promised to reveal the full story behind that weekend, though fans will have to wait for his upcoming documentary.

(Video: F1 TV)

“I’m really proud of everyone in the team and of myself for digging us out of the hole I was in,” he stated. “One day, when I release my documentary, I’ll reveal everything about that weekend and what led to what happened,” he continued.

In 2026, with an improved car under him, podium finishes, a win in Ferrari red, and a solid fight for second place in the championship, Hamilton feels completely liberated from that low point.

“Coming back here today, I arrived in a completely different world compared to where I was last year,” he reassured.

F1 2026, INGLATERRA, QUALY SPRINT, FERRARI, LEWIS HAMILTON
Lewis Hamilton has already enjoyed standout moments in F1 2026 (Photo: F1)

“I’m grateful to everyone for the way we’ve developed as a team, for the puzzle pieces falling into place and making sense. We have a great car, a strong overall package, and we can really fight with it,” he concluded.

Formula 1 returns July 24–26 in Budapest, host of the Hungarian GP, Round 11 of the 2026 season.

F1 Hungarian GP: when to watch in US ET, London (UK), New Delhi (India), Shanghai (China) and Sydney (Australia)

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