Lewis Hamilton was lacking confidence in 2024 (Image: Getty)
jumped to ‘s support, explaining that the Brit was in a ‘weak moment’ after a poor qualifying performance when he declared ‘I’m not fast anymore’.
The 2024 season was, in many regards, the toughest of Hamilton’s glittering career so far. The Brit recorded a worst-ever Drivers’ Championship finish of P7 and was out-qualified 19-5 by team-mate , suffering a string of Q1 knockouts in the process.
After another tough qualifying in Qatar, Hamilton faced the media. After giving a dejected interview, the Brit was asked for the true reason behind his struggles. “Who knows?” he replied. “I’m definitely not fast anymore.”
These comments sparked widespread debate in the F1 community, with some questioning whether or not Hamilton’s head was in the right headspace ahead of his blockbuster move to in 2025.
Haas star Hulkenberg, however, disagrees. “It is just about timing, and I think he had a weak moment, to be honest,” he told . “He was disappointed after a poor qualifying, and obviously, I don’t know the details [from ], but he was up against George, who is a very fast and complete driver already. “He’s put in some really strong performances and has good momentum, so as a driver, even when you are as experienced as Lewis, it can get to you and annoy you as well. We all want to challenge and beat our team-mates, but you saw in Las Vegas how good Lewis is, he came from P10, and you should never discount him. He’s still going great.”
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Nico Hulkenberg still believes in Hamilton’s ability (Image: Getty)
Hulkenberg isn’t the only one who still believes in the seven-time world champion’s ability. Asked about the Brit’s comments in Qatar and moments of self-doubt, new boss Fred Vasseur batted away any concerns. “Not at all,” he said. “Have a look at the 50 laps that he did in Vegas. Starting P10, finishing on the gearbox of Russell, I’m not worried at all.”
Despite the support for the seven-time world champion, other members of the F1 paddock are less convinced. If you don’t believe 100 per cent, you’re f**ked. Do you understand that?” said Eddie Jordan on the Formula For Success podcast.
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“Because belief, 99.9 per cent, means that there is that tiny, little, little thing in there knocking on your head that gives you the things that maybe, ‘Oh, I don’t really have that confidence. I don’t really have the ability’.
“And at the moment what I heard from Lewis, I’m not fast enough anymore, they were the words, I think. Honestly, if I was , I would say close the book, find the way out. That’s it.”