Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging weekend at the Hungarian GP, finishing in 12th place after a poor start and a race filled with difficulties. Frustrated by his performance, the seven-time world champion expressed strong self-criticism, which sparked backlash from many in the Formula 1 community. Among the critics is former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, who condemned Hamilton’s negative remarks, suggesting they had a demoralizing effect on the team during an already tough season for Ferrari.
Legendary Formula 1 team Ferrari has encountered significant struggles this year, affecting not only Hamilton but also its other drivers, such as Charles Leclerc. While greats like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna endured hard moments in their careers, Alesi believes Hamilton’s approach to setbacks differs unfavorably in comparison. The veteran racer highlighted how past icons maintained morale and motivation in difficult times, implying that Hamilton’s defeatist attitude could be harmful to team spirit.
The British driver’s self-deprecating comments at the Hungarian Grand Prix drew mixed reactions, with some viewing them as an honest way of expressing his disappointment, while others, including Alesi, perceived the remarks as counterproductive. According to Alesi, such negativity risks undermining the motivation of those around Hamilton, especially at a time when Ferrari needs to remain unified to overcome performance problems.
Jean Alesi Criticizes Hamilton’s Impact on Team Morale
Jean Alesi was blunt in his criticism of Lewis Hamilton’s public complaints, pointing out that former Ferrari greats would not have spoken so negatively about themselves or the team in similar situations. He specifically compared Hamilton to Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, stressing that legends of their stature maintained a more constructive and positive outlook even when results were disappointing. This attitude, Alesi argues, fosters resilience rather than demotivation.
“I think Hamilton’s attitude demoralizes the people working around him. Senna or Schumacher would have never said anything like that.” —Jean Alesi, Corriere dello Sport
Alesi’s remarks also addressed Hamilton’s controversial suggestion that Ferrari should consider looking for a different driver, a statement that upset fans and insiders alike. The former Ferrari competitor maintains that such comments are not only unnecessary but also damaging at a time when Ferrari is trying to rebuild confidence within the team. Despite this, Alesi acknowledged Hamilton’s status as a legend alongside Senna and Schumacher and expects the Briton to regain focus and leadership in the near future.
Ferrari’s Struggles at Hungarian GP: A Disappointing Weekend
The Hungarian Grand Prix proved to be a difficult event for Ferrari as a whole. Charles Leclerc, despite starting from pole position, could only manage a fourth-place finish due to chassis issues and strategic errors by the team. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faced persistent setbacks from the start and was unable to score points, ending the race well down the order. Jean Alesi described the whole weekend as a disheartening experience for fans and team members alike, likening the situation to an “Italian comedy” that turned into a “horror film” because of inconsistency between qualifying and race performance.
“It looked like an Italian comedy, it became a horror film, The reason was revealed by Russell after observing Leclerc’s car on the track. A Ferrari that runs on Saturday and then doesn’t work on Sunday is what infuriates those who love the Prancing Horse the most.” —Jean Alesi
George Russell’s observations about the issues with Leclerc’s car highlighted Ferrari’s apparent unawareness of the problem during the race, which only added to the frustration. Ferrari fans, often called supporters of the “Prancing Horse,” were left exasperated as the car’s performance dropped drastically after showing promise in qualifying sessions. This inconsistency has contributed to mounting pressure on the team’s engineers and drivers to find solutions as the 2025 season progresses.
The Road Ahead for Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton
Following the Hungarian GP, Ferrari is determined to analyze the mistakes made and work on improving their performance as the season enters its second half after the summer break. For Lewis Hamilton, the hiatus will provide a chance to regroup and reconsider his approach, having already shifted his focus toward performance in the upcoming season. The Briton, a multiple world champion, remains committed to overcoming this slump and restoring his competitiveness on the grid.
Ferrari’s ability to rebound from such a difficult weekend will be crucial in maintaining its status among the sport’s elite teams. Jean Alesi’s criticism underscores the importance of positive leadership and morale in a team sport like Formula 1, where psychological factors can impact on-track results. As the season continues, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if they can translate lessons into better race outcomes.
