Guenther Steiner, former Haas Formula 1 team principal, has strongly criticized Lewis Hamilton‘s own comments after his disappointing performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, described himself as “useless” after qualifying 12th at the Hungaroring and suggested Ferrari should consider replacing a driver. Hamilton later hinted that behind-the-scenes issues were contributing to his struggles during the event.
Steiner Challenges Hamilton’s Mental Approach and Confidence
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner expressed concern about Hamilton’s negative attitude, emphasizing that such a mindset could be detrimental. He acknowledged that every athlete faces difficulties, including himself, but argued that conceding defeat publicly is the wrong approach for someone of Hamilton’s caliber.
I mean, how can you come out being seven-time world champion saying ‘I’m useless’? It’s not his performance, I do not care about that – I’m not going into his performance,
Steiner explained.
He insisted that Hamilton’s self-criticism appeared to signal surrender rather than motivation, which Steiner sees as an attitude deserving of caution. He urged Hamilton to refocus on his strengths rather than dwelling on frustrations.
He’s struggling. At some stage in our life, we all struggle a little bit. I mean I still struggle, I always struggle, but coming out and saying ‘oh I’m useless’, I think that’s the wrong attitude. For me, I don’t like the attitude of giving up.
Steiner added.
Steiner further noted the contradiction of only weeks earlier seeing Hamilton confidently guiding his engineers, only to now hear him question his own ability.
It’s one of these things, but coming out saying ‘I’m useless’ for me it was a little bit … I mean a few weeks ago you were sitting down with engineers telling them what to do, and now you’re coming back and saying ‘I’m useless’. Just focus on what you are good at, which is driving a race car, because he’s good, he’s a seven-time world champion.
Guenther Steiner, Miami Grand Prix Ambassador
Ferrari Chief Fred Vasseur Explains Hamilton’s Comments as Frustration, Not Defeat
In contrast to Steiner’s criticism, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur offered a defense of Hamilton following the race, interpreting the driver’s remarks as expressions of frustration rather than a loss of motivation. Vasseur emphasized that such situations are common among top athletes under pressure.
I don’t need to motivate him. He’s frustrated, but not demotivated, you know, it’s a completely different story,
Vasseur said after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
He suggested that it is natural for sports professionals to voice raw emotions after intense competitive moments, and that Hamilton’s comments should be viewed in this context rather than as a signal of giving up.
I can perfectly understand the situation, and you can… sometimes you are making comments on what the driver [is] saying to the car, but you put the microphone on some other sportsman in football, and so not sure that it would be much better.
You know that they are in the performance and sometimes they are making comments even when they jump out of the car. I can understand the frustration… we are all frustrated.
Vasseur highlighted the team’s collective effort, mentioning that despite struggles there was a strong performance capable of securing pole position and leading much of the race.
Sometimes just after the race, or just after the quali, you are very disappointed, and the reaction, the first reaction, is off. But we all know that we are pushing in the same direction. The good side of today is that if we are putting everything, when we are putting everything together, we are able to do the pole position and lead the first 40 laps.
Implications of Hamilton’s Remarks on Team Dynamics and Future Performance
Hamilton’s candid comments and Steiner’s response reflect the tension surrounding the driver’s current challenges at Ferrari, highlighting mounting pressure on the seven-time world champion to regain momentum. While frustration is evident within the team, leadership’s recognition of Hamilton’s underlying determination suggests there is still belief in his ability to rebound.
This episode underscores the psychological complexities experienced by elite athletes and their teams during difficult periods. The Hungarian GP performance and associated comments may serve as a wake-up call for all involved to regroup and intensify efforts ahead of upcoming races.
