Lewis Hamilton is optimistic that Ferrari will be strong at the Hungarian Grand Prix after the SF-26 exceeded expectations during a positive weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. What had initially appeared likely to be a damage-limitation race instead became one of Ferrari’s most encouraging performances of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
After adopting a cautious tone on Thursday, Ferrari gradually changed its approach as the sessions progressed. The SF-26 performed extremely well at Spa-Francorchamps, allowing the team to aim for much more ambitious results than originally anticipated.
Ferrari’s Belgian GP pace changes the picture
Ferrari’s progress throughout the weekend was the result of extensive work from Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and the team’s engineers, combined with the strong overall performance of the package brought to Belgium. A particularly impressive qualifying session suggested that the SF-26 was clearly the second-fastest car in the field at Spa.
That encouraging pace was then converted into a strong race result. As detailed in Ferrari’s Belgian Grand Prix race review, both drivers maximised the potential of the car despite a complicated start to the afternoon.
Charles Leclerc takes second as Lewis Hamilton recovers
Following an aggressive start, Lewis Hamilton received a five-second penalty after a racing incident involving George Russell’s Mercedes. Neither driver appeared entirely responsible for the contact, although Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari sustained damage during the collision.
Despite those difficulties, both Ferrari drivers made effective use of the SF-26’s competitive race pace and secured what appeared to be the best available result. Charles Leclerc finished second after an attacking and committed performance, crossing the line just behind Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes.
Charles Leclerc had briefly been able to dream of victory after benefiting from the timing of a Virtual Safety Car, but ultimately had to settle for the second step of the podium. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, recovered to an excellent fourth place after a solid drive compromised by both the five-second penalty issued by the stewards and the damage sustained by his car.
Lewis Hamilton optimistic Ferrari will be strong in Hungary
Speaking to Sky Sport F1 after the race, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion reflected on his performance and also addressed the pit-stop incident in which he came close to hitting one of his mechanics.
Lewis Hamilton was particularly confident about Ferrari’s prospects at the next round in Budapest, where the characteristics of the Hungaroring could provide another important opportunity for the SF-26.
“I’m optimistic for Hungary. This car will be strong there. If we have the right set-up and don’t make mistakes, we can get where we want to be,” Lewis Hamilton said.
He also questioned the decision to penalise him for the contact with George Russell but remained pleased to have secured valuable points despite the setbacks.
“The penalty? I think they imposed a penalty even though it was a racing incident. In any case, I’m grateful to have brought home some points.”
Ferrari will therefore arrive at the Hungarian Grand Prix with renewed confidence, although team principal Fred Vasseur has already warned against excessive optimism before Budapest. The Belgian weekend nevertheless demonstrated that the SF-26 can deliver highly competitive performance when Ferrari finds the correct set-up and executes its sessions cleanly.
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