Charles Leclerc has played down Ferrari’s chances of entering the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix as favourites, even though the Budapest circuit is expected to suit the SF-26 better than Spa-Francorchamps. The Monegasque driver believes Mercedes currently have an advantage and says Ferrari’s misplaced confidence before the Monaco Grand Prix provides a clear reason to remain cautious.
Formula 1 heads to Budapest next weekend for the final round before the summer break. On paper, the Hungaroring’s technical layout should highlight some of the Ferrari SF-26’s strengths, an expectation also reflected in Ferrari’s post-Spa outlook for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Even so, Charles Leclerc is refusing to get carried away after two weekends in which the team performed above expectations on circuits that appeared less favourable.
Charles Leclerc lowers Ferrari expectations for the Hungarian GP
Charles Leclerc acknowledged that Budapest should provide a more suitable challenge for Ferrari than Spa-Francorchamps. However, he stressed that favourable circuit characteristics do not automatically guarantee that the Scuderia will be the team to beat.
“We are aware that our car will suit the Budapest circuit better than Spa,” Charles Leclerc told Sky. “However, before Monaco we also thought we were the favourites.”
The Ferrari driver had already identified Hungary as a potentially stronger venue for the SF-26 after Spa, but his comments underline how reluctant he is to draw firm conclusions before the cars take to the track.
Mercedes remain one step ahead in Charles Leclerc’s assessment
Charles Leclerc also highlighted Mercedes’ ability to remain competitive when its car must be configured for slower and more technical circuits. In his view, Ferrari must still overcome a performance deficit before it can realistically be considered the favourite in Budapest.
“The Mercedes is a great car, even when it has to be set up to perform on more technical circuits,” Charles Leclerc added. “I don’t think we are the favourites. I think Mercedes is one step ahead of us at the moment, but we will do everything we can to be there if an opportunity to win presents itself.”
His measured approach is consistent with Fred Vasseur’s warning against excessive optimism before the Hungarian Grand Prix. Although the Hungaroring may theoretically be better suited to the SF-26, Ferrari are not treating a strong result as a foregone conclusion.
Monaco result provides Ferrari with a warning
Ferrari had also appeared likely to dominate in Monaco, where the circuit characteristics were expected to favour the team. Instead, Kimi Antonelli produced a perfect weekend for Mercedes, securing pole position ahead of Max Verstappen before converting it into victory the following day.
That result explains why Charles Leclerc is keeping his feet firmly on the ground before Budapest. Ferrari may have an opportunity to challenge for victory, but the Monegasque driver believes Mercedes must still be regarded as the stronger package heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
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