Lewis Hamilton has set Ferrari the objective of fighting for victory at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix as he prepares to return to the circuit where he has achieved more Formula 1 wins than any other driver.
The seven-time world champion has won eight times at the Hungaroring, although his most recent Budapest triumph came in 2020. After experiencing a difficult Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, Lewis Hamilton is determined to deliver a stronger personal performance and place himself in contention for a record-extending ninth victory in Hungary.
Lewis Hamilton targets ninth Hungarian Grand Prix victory
Asked whether Ferrari could be competitive in Budapest, Lewis Hamilton expressed hope that the team would have the performance required. However, he also placed responsibility on himself, acknowledging that he needed to arrive in Hungary properly prepared and perform at the level he knew he could reach.
Hamilton made Ferrari’s ambition equally clear by emphasising that the team had to approach the weekend ready to fight for the win. His remarkable record at the Hungaroring offers further encouragement, with eight previous Hungarian Grand Prix victories strengthening hopes of another Ferrari success.
That history does not guarantee that the SF-26 will lead the field, particularly after the difficulties encountered in Belgium. Ferrari has nevertheless shown improved form in recent rounds, giving Hamilton reason to believe that the team can enter the Budapest weekend with a meaningful opportunity.
Ferrari’s progress encourages Hamilton despite Spa setback
Lewis Hamilton described his season with Ferrari as encouraging overall, having already secured his first victory for the team earlier in the campaign. Although the Belgian Grand Prix did not unfold cleanly, he remained positive about the progress Ferrari had made in several important areas.
The British driver highlighted the team’s recent strategic decisions and indicated that Ferrari had raised its operational level across race weekends. He also maintained that the car possessed the pace required to win at Spa, even though the final result did not reflect that potential.
Hamilton therefore considered the points Ferrari collected in Belgium valuable given the circumstances. The team also left Spa with encouragement from Charles Leclerc’s performance, as Ferrari came close to challenging for the Belgian Grand Prix victory.
Hungaroring offers Ferrari another major opportunity
The Hungarian Grand Prix now provides Ferrari with an immediate chance to build on those recent improvements. While Hamilton’s eight victories make him the most successful driver in the event’s history, converting that record into another win will depend on both the competitiveness of the SF-26 and his execution throughout the weekend.
Ferrari is approaching Budapest with optimism, but the team is also aware that expectations alone will not produce a result. The Hungaroring may appear favourable on paper, yet Ferrari has been warned against assuming the circuit will automatically suit the SF-26.
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