Ferrari Boss Backs 'Useless' Hamilton

Vasseur says seven-time champion is frustrated, but will return and perform

- 

BUDAPEST - Lewis Hamilton received support from his Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur on Aug 3, just hours after the Briton cut a dejected figure following a lacklustre drive to 12th place at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

While teammate Charles Leclerc proved unable to convert Ferrari's first pole position of the season into victory due to unexplained mechanical problems during the race, seven-time champion Hamilton was battling to escape midfield and finished where he started.

As on Aug 2, when he was dumped out of Q2 and appeared miserable, claiming he was "completely useless" and the team should "bring in another driver", Hamilton seemed deflated.

To most observers, it appeared as if the pressures of living up to the hype of his spectacular marquee move from Mercedes, where he won six titles, and adjusting to the culture, car and expectations at Ferrari were overwhelming him.

At 40, talk of imminent retirement circled around him.

But Vasseur was swift to defend Hamilton, who has always been prone to impulsive heart-on-sleeve reactions.

"I don't need to motivate him," said Vasseur. "Honestly, he's frustrated, but not demotivated.