F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Gives Damning Mercedes Report Following Hungarian GP

Lewis Hamilton has delivered a crushing blow to Mercedes fans as he reflects on the difficult Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion started the race from pole position but very quickly lost the lead of the race into Turn 1 to Max Verstappen in the dominant RB19. After finding himself in fourth position during the very first lap, Hamilton then struggled to find the performance in the W14 to secure a podium.

During his post race interview with Sky Sports F1, the British driver explained:

"The start, the initial getaway wasn’t the worse I’ve ever had. It wasn’t as good as Max’s start. I had wheelspin. Then Max was on the inside, he ran me wide and I got done by the two McLarens. Like 2015 when I fell back from first. Then I didn’t have the pace to keep up with the guys.

"The balance of the car was awful on the first stint. A lot of understeer. Bit by bit, the car started to become more drivable and the last stint was much better. If we had the pace we had at the end, we’d have been much better. Still taking the positives from yesterday, great for everyone. It was spectacular.

"We have a lot of work to do, we are a long way off beating Red Bull in a race, and now we’re behind the McLarens."

Hamilton had already come to terms with the fact that a race win was probably not on the cards, knowing the pace difference between them and Red Bull but he had been hopeful for a podium finish. Instead, Verstappen was joined on the podium by Lando Norris and his teammate Sergio Perez who crossed the line in second and third place, respectively.