Charles Leclerc approaches the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix with a boost of confidence after delivering one of his most impressive race weekends in recent years at Spa-Francorchamps. During the Belgian Grand Prix, the Scuderia Ferrari driver extracted every last ounce of performance from the SF-25 in both qualifying and race conditions, ultimately securing his fifth podium finish of the current Formula 1 season. Leclerc crossed the finish line behind the dominant McLaren drivers but ahead of Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, managing to defend his position with great skill, particularly in the challenging damp track conditions.
Ferrari’s technical upgrades offer new hope
The Maranello-based team’s latest updates to the SF-25, particularly the introduction of a revised rear suspension system, appear to have improved the car’s performance significantly. Heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Charles Leclerc is feeling more optimistic from a technical standpoint compared to previous rounds. The Hungaroring is a rear-limited circuit, meaning that rear-end grip and traction are critical factors—making the upgraded suspension potentially decisive.
Charles Leclerc expressed his eagerness to test the new setup during a conventional race weekend format, where all three free practice sessions will offer clear feedback on how well the improvements introduced in Belgium perform under different conditions. Unlike Spa, where the weather often creates unpredictable variables, Budapest presents an ideal scenario to fully assess the technical package.
Charles Leclerc’s candid view on Budapest struggles
Despite the recent positive momentum, Charles Leclerc was open about his difficulties with the Hungarian circuit during the official press conference. The Monegasque driver admitted that he has never felt particularly comfortable at the Hungaroring, and his record reflects it: in seven appearances at the track, he has never reached the podium.
Charles Leclerc explained, “I believe Budapest is clearly the worst track on the calendar for me in terms of performance. I have never achieved great results here, and I would like to understand why. Perhaps it has something to do with my driving style and the specific characteristics of this circuit that require more adaptation on my part. I’ll try to reverse that trend this weekend. I’m hopeful we can have a strong showing, and I have confidence in what we’ve brought with us.”
When asked whether the SF-25 is capable of fighting for the podium, Leclerc remained cautiously optimistic: “We have been in the mix for the top three positions in the last five or six Grands Prix, so I believe we’re getting closer. However, I don’t think we are yet at the level where we can clearly claim to be the second strongest team on the grid. That said, we are definitely making progress in that direction and taking steps forward in the right way.”
Comparison with Lewis Hamilton: still too early to judge
At the Belgian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc finished well ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who currently trails him by 30 points in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship standings. The intra-team battle between the two Ferrari drivers has become one of the most anticipated storylines of the 2025 season, as seven-time world champion Hamilton adapts to life at Maranello following his departure from Mercedes.
Commenting on the comparison with his new teammate, Charles Leclerc was measured in his response: “I was very curious to see how the competition with Lewis would unfold, but honestly it’s still too early to make any definitive judgments. He is still getting used to a new team and a completely different working environment compared to what he had at Mercedes. I’m sure he’s still learning the nuances and adjusting. Also, we’re not currently fighting for race wins or pole positions, which significantly affects how a driver approaches a weekend.”
Leclerc concluded by reiterating his main focus: “Right now, my priority is to bring Ferrari back to the top of Formula 1. I’m happy with the level we’ve reached, and I believe we need to stay on this path and keep pushing forward.”
With the summer break approaching after the Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc will be hoping to end this phase of the season on a high note—even at a circuit that has historically not played to his strengths.
Leave a Reply