Lewis Hamilton’s dream of an eighth Formula 1 title with Ferrari is spinning off track. His comments at the Hungarian Grand Prix in early August sparked concern among fans of Hamilton and Ferrari as the seven-time champion called himself “absolutely useless”, suggested Ferrari should consider replacing him, and hinted at deeper issues. “There’s a lot going on in the background that is not great,” Hamilton said.Having a four-week break before next week’s Dutch Grand Prix offers a much-needed reset, argues Michael E. Sawyer, author of a biography of Hamilton, “Sir Lewis,” published this year.“I think he’s venting, I think he’s down. I think the summer break couldn’t have come at a better time for him,” Sawyer told The Associated Press. “It gives him a chance to reflect and think through exactly what the approach is going to be.”Hamilton certainly seems to be getting away from it all. He posted pictures on social media last week in the countryside with his beloved bulldog Roscoe and the caption “DND” — seemingly short for “do not disturb”.Ferrari has said it still has faith in Hamilton, though F1’s former boss Bernie Ecclestone has urged him to call time on his record-breaking career. Hamilton “would be cheating himself if he goes on,” Ecclestone told the Daily Mail newspaper this month.So how might Hamilton find his way back to the front of the F1 field?All too often, he’s been off the pace in qualifying on Saturday and down the grid, meaning his typically better race pace is wasted on working his way through the midfield.“Every time, every time,” was Hamilton’s groan of frustration when he qualified 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Teammate Charles Leclerc was on pole. Qualifying is the area where the break might help Hamilton most, argues Sawyer. He has competitive pace — as he showed while carving through the …
