Shock Hamilton 'revelation': 'Hungary meltdown was aimed at Ferrari'

14:03, 08 Aug

Updated: 14:12, 08 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

Christian Danner has questioned the sincerity of Lewis Hamilton’s recent self-criticism following a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

The seven-time world champion qualified only 12th at the Hungaroring, while teammate Charles Leclerc claimed pole and fought for victory. Hamilton later described himself as “useless” and called for Ferrari to consider a driver change.

Speaking on Motorsport-Magazin.com’s AvD Motorsport Talk, RTL commentator Danner suggested Hamilton’s remarks were part of a calculated message to the team rather than genuine self-doubt.

“A Lewis Hamilton who punishes himself so much, pretends to have forgotten how to drive... That almost looked a little exaggerated to me,” Danner said.

“It was like staging a little more than it actually is to sensitise the world, which knows I’m not that bad.

"I’m pretty sure that was wanted by Hamilton and wasn’t honest. He didn’t honestly doubt himself. It can’t be, it doesn’t fit in with him.”

Lewis Hamilton during the Hungarian Grand Prix

'Hamilton sent message to Ferrari'

Danner believes Hamilton used the comments to signal to Ferrari that they should not underestimate him. “To show those at Ferrari: if you think I don’t know what’s going on, then you’ll be surprised,” he explained.

The German pointed to set-up as a possible factor in Hamilton’s struggles, with Leclerc’s car also affected during the race.

Paddock speculation suggests Ferrari raised tyre pressures at Leclerc’s second stop to increase ride height after concerns about the floor plank, an issue that has already led to both drivers being disqualified once this season.

Danner added that morale at Maranello is low. “There is no good mood, no good atmosphere and no good prospects for the future,” he said. However, he does not believe Hamilton will consider leaving Ferrari at this stage.