F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has urged former team Ferrari to keep faith with struggling Lewis Hamilton, convinced the Briton will land the greatest of all records.
Hamilton has endured a rough ride since making his high-profile move from Mercedes, where he won six of his seven drivers' titles, to Ferrari at the start of the year.
A sprint victory in the second grand prix weekend of the year in China proved to be nothing more than a false dawn for Hamilton, who has since failed to score a podium in any format, in contrast to team-mate Charles Leclerc, who has five.
In Hungary, Hamilton endured his worst weekend in Ferrari red, qualifying and finishing 12th. Other than retirements, it was only the fourth time the 40-year-old has been classified outside of the top 10 since the start of the current regulation set in 2022.
For the record, the other three were the Emilia Romagna and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in 2022, and last year's race in Qatar.
Domenicali, the current CEO and President of F1, and once team principal of Ferrari for six seasons from 2008 to 2014, has urged the Scuderia to have patience with Hamilton.
The 60-year-old has no doubt that if Ferrari and Hamilton remain loyal to one another, he will go on to become the outright record holder of drivers' titles.
"Lewis is a jewel, an incredible athlete," said Domenicali, speaking to Sky Sports F1.
"So no matter if it is a difficult moment, he will react, and I am pretty sure he will show the reason why he is here.
"He wants to achieve his 8th title, and he will triumph again.
"So stay with Lewis and he will do a great race, and be very, very strong after the summer season."
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