F1 CEO shows unwavering support for “jewel” Lewis Hamilton: “Will triumph again”

Stefano Domenicali has commented on Lewis Hamilton’s disappointing qualifying performance on the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. Voicing his support for the seven-time champion, the Formula 1 CEO called Hamilton a “jewel” as he expects him to come back stronger.

The Ferrari driver delivered a disappointing result ahead of Sunday’s grand prix, qualifying a low P12 after a Q2 exit. This was only compounded by his team-mate Charles Leclerc’s success as he finished his Saturday on pole. This looked to be a low point for Hamilton, who, on speaking to Sky Sports F1, was brutally self-critical.

“I’m useless, absolutely useless,” he said, even adding that his team “probably need to change driver.”

While he boasts eight wins at the Hungaroring, this weekend has been a vastly different story. 

“First of all Lewis is a jewel, he is an incredible athlete, so no matter if it is a difficult moment, he will react and I am pretty sure he will show the reason why he is here,” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1. “He wants to achieve his 8th title, and he will triumph again. So stay with Lewis and he will do a great race, and be very, very strong after the summer season.”

Domenicali has been consistent in his support for Hamilton since his debut at the Scuderia, with him publicly supporting his move from Mercedes. 

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Joe Portlock / LAT Images via Getty Images

“For sure for Lewis it’s a new journey, a new journey that will give him a lot of boost, a lot of energy,” he told F1.com. 

“I think that the adjustment that he has to do, not only on the driving side with the car but also in terms of integrating himself in a different community, will be easy.

“When you have inside the right fire to make sure that this experience will be positive, you’re going to dedicate yourself night and day, and that’s what he’s doing. He told me that he’s sleeping in Maranello, he told me he has seen what Ferrari means for the people of Italy.”

With Hamilton admitting he’s in need of the upcoming summer break after “the most intense” season of his career, he’ll be looking to finish strong so he can go into his break with a level of positivity. 

“The last god knows how many seasons have been hard in their own way. This one has definitely been the most intense one, I would say, just from a work perspective,” he told the media ahead of the weekend in Hungary. 

“Integrating into a new culture and into a new team. It’s not gone smoothly in all areas, and it’s been a real battle.

“I definitely need to get away and recharge, be around the kids, laugh, let go. I’m sure there’ll be some tears at some point and I think that’s really healthy.”

Photos from Hungarian GP – Race