Charles Leclerc has stepped up to defend his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton following a disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix performance. The seven-time world champion was eliminated in Q2 on Saturday and finished 12th on Sunday,

“What?!” Leclerc replied to his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, after being told the result. He laughed to himself afterwards: “Mamma mia. My God!” The bemusement initially hidden by Leclerc’s helmet remained etched on his face after he hopped out of his car and celebrated with his team.

Charles Leclerc stunned favourites McLaren by seizing pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday as Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton described himself as useless and suggested he should be replaced.