Kimi Antonelli expects Ferrari to be strong at Hungarian GP and embraces underdog role. Kimi Antonelli expects Ferrari and McLaren to challenge at the Hungarian GP.

Kimi Antonelli expects Ferrari to be a major contender at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, with McLaren also likely to benefit from its latest upgrade. However, the Formula 1 championship leader says he enjoys approaching the Hungaroring weekend as the underdog rather than the favourite.

Kimi Antonelli arrives in Hungary with the relaxed demeanour of a driver who leads the championship and knows he will remain at the top heading into the summer break. The Italian claimed his sixth victory of the season at Spa-Francorchamps, extending his advantage to 45 points over Lewis Hamilton and 50 over George Russell.

Kimi Antonelli arrives at Hungarian GP as championship leader

Kimi Antonelli is targeting the best possible result at the Hungaroring before beginning his summer holiday, but Mercedes do not arrive in Budapest as the clear favourites. The Hungarian circuit could accentuate Ferrari’s strength through slow-speed corners, while McLaren are also expected to play a leading role after introducing updates to their car.

The combination of numerous slow corners and frequent changes of direction will present a different challenge from Spa-Francorchamps. Kimi Antonelli will also miss the opening practice session, making his preparation during FP2 particularly important.

Kimi Antonelli expects Ferrari challenge at Hungarian GP

“Ferrari will definitely do well. I think McLaren will also perform well with the update,” Kimi Antonelli said, showing that he is comfortable in the role of the hunter.

“It will not be easy. It is a circuit with many slow corners but also many changes of direction. We will see. I will not take part in FP1, so the second session will be extremely important. For me, not starting as the favourite is almost better; I enjoy being the underdog more.”

Ferrari will have an adapted version of its Macarena rear wing for high-downforce circuits, while Mercedes will not introduce any updates in Hungary.

Mercedes planning a larger future upgrade

“Something will arrive at Zandvoort. However, we will have a big update later,” Kimi Antonelli explained. “The car is performing well anyway. When you have that luxury, the team can take more time over development and bring a major package instead of introducing something small every weekend that sometimes may not even work.”

Mercedes’ current strength means the team can take additional time to develop a more substantial package. In Hungary, however, the existing car will face a Ferrari SF-26 whose characteristics appear better suited to the circuit, making the comparison between Ferrari and Mercedes one of the weekend’s central themes.

Monaco performance gives Kimi Antonelli confidence

As Kimi Antonelli noted during the press conference, Mercedes had also been considered an outsider by observers at Monte Carlo. The Mercedes number 12 overturned those predictions by claiming pole position and successfully defending it at both starts on the streets of the Principality.

The Hungarian Grand Prix therefore represents another important test for Kimi Antonelli, who will aim to reinforce his championship leadership before the summer break. Although he does not begin the weekend as the expected favourite, the Mercedes driver has already demonstrated this season that he can surprise his rivals in some of the most demanding circumstances.