Lewis Hamilton admitted he was “just useless” after qualifying 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix, as Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc claimed a shock pole position.
Hamilton failed to progress beyond Q2, finishing 0.247 seconds behind Leclerc, who went on to secure Ferrari’s first grand prix pole of the season.
“I drove terribly. It is what it is,” Hamilton said, insisting his struggles were “nothing to do with the car” as his qualifying form continued to lag behind Leclerc this year.
Leclerc’s pole was one of the most surprising of his career, coming despite being third-best behind McLaren in all three practice sessions.
A dramatic shift in wind direction and weather conditions in Q3 unsettled the McLarens, opening the door for Leclerc to edge Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
The Monegasque credited Ferrari’s recent upgrades, including a new rear suspension and floor, for giving him more predictability and confidence in the car.
“It is probably the most surprising pole position I have ever done, so I’m very happy,” he said, while Hamilton congratulated him and called the result “amazing for the team.”
