Lewis Hamilton plays down Ferrari favourite tag for F1 Hungarian GP. Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes remain the team to beat in Hungary.

Lewis Hamilton has played down Ferrari’s status as favourites for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, despite the arrival of a new high-downforce rear wing and the seven-time world champion’s exceptional record at the Hungaroring. Lewis Hamilton believes the SF-26 has changed only marginally since Monaco and still considers Mercedes the team to beat in Budapest.

Formula 1 teams and drivers will be in action at the Budapest circuit from tomorrow for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer break. Ferrari have brought their new Macarena rear wing for the SF-26, designed for circuits requiring high aerodynamic load.

However, Lewis Hamilton preferred to avoid describing Ferrari as favourites for the weekend. That caution comes despite his remarkable Hungaroring record, with nine pole positions and eight Hungarian Grand Prix victories.

Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari’s Hungarian GP prospects

“I would say the Ferrari has not changed much compared with Monaco. There are small details, but the car is similar to the one we had in Monaco,” Lewis Hamilton said during the press conference.

The Ferrari driver also noted that every team has introduced updates since then, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions from the characteristics of the Hungaroring alone. His cautious assessment reinforces why Ferrari cannot automatically assume that Hungary will suit the SF-26.

Mercedes remain the team to beat

“I think that although Ferrari have improved, Mercedes remain the team to beat,” Lewis Hamilton added. “They have won almost every race and are the fastest on every type of circuit, including those that require high cornering speeds. They were the quickest in Monaco and it is reasonable to expect them to be so again this weekend.”

Ferrari’s new aerodynamic package and Lewis Hamilton’s outstanding history in Budapest therefore provide grounds for optimism, but the British driver is keeping expectations under control. In his view, Mercedes’ performance across different circuit layouts remains the clearest benchmark heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.