Toto Wolff shares why Lewis Hamilton refuses to blame Ferrari for his ‘difficult times’ this season

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Lewis Hamilton’s reaction after qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix was the most downtrodden we have seen the seven-time world champion in his F1 career.

Hamilton was lost for words as he spoke to reporters in the media pen following his Q2 exit, telling them that the only way Ferrari can succeed is to change drivers.

Jean Alesi wasn’t happy with Hamilton’s comments, stating that previous world champions such as Michael Schumacher would have never openly admitted to their struggles in such a fashion.

The race served to be a similar story for the British driver. He crossed the finish line in the same position he started in to take his first points-less finish of the season, at a track where he has won a record eight times previously.

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

Lewis Hamilton taking ‘responsibility’ for his actions sets him apart from the rest, according to Toto Wolff

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff spoke about his former driver’s comments in Hungary, saying, “Ferrari is the team with the greatest wealth in the world, and for Lewis, driving for them is a great honour but also a challenge.

“He puts his heart into everything he does and is very sincere: when he goes through difficult times, he takes responsibility. It’s a characteristic of the greats: if they know they haven’t been up to par, they don’t blame the team but look within.

“Once this moment has passed, he’ll come back with the same motivation as always.”

More than anyone, the seven-time champion will be waiting for this moment to pass the most. Hamilton is contracted to Ferrari until the end of the 2026 season, with an option to extend his tenure in 2027. An uptick in performance with the new 2026 regulations could see the driver back to his finest form.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Mercedes F1 CEO and team principal Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton is in danger of setting a new unwanted record at Ferrari

Hamilton is yet to register a Grand Prix podium for the Scuderia this season. His win during the Chinese GP Sprint earlier this season remains as the highlight of the seven-time world champion’s debut season with the Prancing Horse.

Hamilton’s P12 in Hungary meant that he is now tied with Gilles Villeneuve for the second-most amount of races for Ferrari without a podium, which stands at 14. Only Didier Pironi stands above the pair, entering 19 races for the Prancing Horse without tasting champagne afterwards.

If, by the conclusion of the Mexico City Grand Prix in October, he doesn’t register a podium finish soon, he will find himself in uncharted territory as the holder of the record that the Tifosi will hate to see.

One F1 driver already has an apartment near Maranello, which could become occupied again if Ferrari opts to move on from Hamilton. If Hamilton’s inbound announcement to Ferrari broke the internet, there’s no telling what a sacking announcement would do.