F1 fans think there’s ‘no coming back’ for Lewis Hamilton after spotting one ‘hard to watch’ Spanish Grand Prix moment

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Lewis Hamilton will be looking forward to the two-week break in the Formula 1 schedule as another intense triple-header of races.

The Spanish Grand Prix capped off the first trio of European races of the campaign with Ferrari coming away with two more podiums to add to their vast collection.

They both came courtesy of Charles Leclerc, who finished second at his home race in Monaco before claiming third in Barcelona on Sunday.

The most recent race in Spain was a much more frustrating affair for Lewis Hamilton.

He would have been encouraged to be starting fifth on the grid, a row ahead of Leclerc, and he put himself in contention for a podium finish by leapfrogging George Russell going into the first corner.

However, Leclerc complained about Hamilton’s pace early in the race, forcing Ferrari to swap their two drivers.

Hamilton was frustrated on the team radio as he never appeared to have the same pace as his teammate throughout the race.

He reached the chequered flag in seventh before being promoted to sixth due to Max Verstappen’s late penalty.

Plenty of F1 fans saw one moment from Hamilton in the closing stages that made them question what level he’s currently driving at.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

Formula 1 fans worried about Lewis Hamilton after Nico Hulkenberg overtake at the Spanish Grand Prix

One of the stars of the race was Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg who secured 10 points for the team.

Damon Hill said Hulkenberg was one of his ‘drivers of the race’ on Instagram and he was able to make the most of having fresh soft tyres to pull off several overtaking performances.

Hamilton couldn’t defend from Hulkenberg and plenty of fans reacted to the move on social media.

One fan said: “There’s no coming back from a Sauber overtaking you, and the rest of Hamilton’s season will be pure pain.”

Another person commented: “Hamilton has an obsession with being on the outside… he never attacks or protects the inside. That’s why what happens happens.”

“This was hard to watch. But good on Nico,” said another fan, while one comment made a bolder claim and stated: “Hamilton needs to retire man. Hulkenberg styling on him with the actual slowest car on the grid.”

One fan was keen to give Hulkenberg credit instead of criticising Hamilton and said: “Sauber today with Hulkenberg, they have taught everyone a lesson, incredible how underrated Hulkenberg is.”

Another fan more calmly explained: “Hulkenberg had a new set, so he could easily pass, and the safety car also greatly benefited the riders behind him.”

READ MORE: Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg’s life outside F1 from wife to height

Nico Hulkenberg earns Oscar Piastri praise after the Spanish Grand Prix

Sauber are rarely discussed after a race for positive reasons these days after sinking to the bottom of the constructors’ championship in recent years.

However, Hulkenberg has now produced two brilliant performances since his move from Haas after scoring points on his second debut in Australia.

Gabriel Bortoleto also deserves credit and was unlucky that he couldn’t convert his P12 start into his first Formula 1 points.

Hulkenberg’s performance even caught the eye of race winner Oscar Piastri.

Speaking in his post-race interview when asked if he had seen any of the action going on behind him, Piastri said: “I’ve seen that [Nico] Hulkenberg finished sixth [promoted later to P5], which is pretty impressive.

“So well done to him, I guess.”

Hulkenberg will want it to no longer be a surprise that he’s in these positions, but that’s up to Sauber and next season Audi to get right.

For Hamilton, it’s another disappointing moment in a season that hasn’t lived up to anyone’s expectations.

Fred Vasseur would have been hoping that his team would be in a position to challenge for both championships this year.

While Ferrari have promising updates on the horizon, it’s ultimately been a campaign to forget thus far.