Hamilton reflects on "personal" self doubt struggles

Hamilton has not won a Formula 1 race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, after Mercedes got their sums wrong with their 2022 single seater, built to the ground-effect aero regulations.

And the eight-time F1 Constructors' Champions are yet to capture the dominant form they enjoyed between 2014 and 2021, as a major car upgrade that dates back to the Monaco Grand Prix is yet to deliver consistent improved performance.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 whether he ever doubted his capability during this tough period; Hamilton responded: "I think that's a bit of a personal question and I probably don't want to go too much into that.

"Last year was difficult with the car we've had, and particularly just not finding myself gelling with the car that we had built, and therefore just not being able to live at the potential that I know I'm able to compete at.

"When you're hindered with the balance, and that's similar for so many drivers," the seven-time F1 Champion added.

Hamilton has pushed Mercedes to give up their slim sidepod concept they debuted in 2022, and his disappointment was evident as the team persisted with it at the start of the 2023 F1 season, but after major changes in the technical department, James Allison took over from Mike Elliott and the changes to the W14 the Mercedes star asked for were done.

"The goal is to steer the direction of the development so that you can eventually show your potential and what you're capable of," Hamilton said.

"Through really hard work I think we're starting to get there, and I think you've started to see that, particularly from Monaco onwards, I've had much more consistent performances, and then the pole position we had in the last race, really felt very reminiscent of the olden days for me.

"So that gives me hope that we are going in the right direction, hopefully the same for our team," the winner of 103 grands prix maintained.

Hamilton has been given a run for his money by teammate since 2022 George Russell, who won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in his first season with Mercedes, while his more decorated teammate failed to win a race.

However, the 38-year-old seemed to be rejuvenated after getting his upgraded W14, and has been taking Russell to F1 Driving School recently, with his 104th pole position in Hungary last time out, after a super Q3 lap, being a recent highlight for the Briton.

He reflected on Hungary's pole: "On the Saturday night, I think it was overwhelming, it was very emotional. It was an emotional feeling to finally be back there.

"I called my dad, had a great conversation with my dad. Then after that, I stayed until late, just preparing for the next day," he revealed.

However, Hamilton's joy was short-lived as he messed up his start on Sunday in Budapest, losing places to Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, which probably cost him the chance of a podium as he only recovered to finish fourth.

Asked to detail what went down, Hamilton revealed: "I was told from the team, 'look, we're not fighting for the win here because they're just too quick, unfortunately.'

"You can't beat a car that's over half a second faster per lap in race pace, and from practice that's how it was. So in my mind I was trying to figure out how to pull a rabbit out the hat and prove them wrong, obviously.

"And then sitting on the grid, it felt right, it felt back to where I'd been for a long time in my career, so it felt great to be up there, to be leading the formation lap.

"It didn't go how I planned, but stuff happens… Live to fight another day," the Mercedes ace mused.

Hamilton who is currently negotiating a new contract with Mercedes will start his 322nd F1 race this weekend at Spa.