Ferrari reportedly made a calculated step back in its power unit programme at the Hungarian Grand Prix, running the SF-26 with an earlier specification that predates the updates obtained through ADUO. The decision did not prevent the team from dominating Friday in Budapest, as Lewis Hamilton led Charles Leclerc in an FP2 one-two after Ferrari had already set the fastest time in FP1.
Ferrari arrived at the Hungaroring ready to support the pre-weekend predictions that identified the team as the favourite. On paper, the circuit’s characteristics were expected to suit the SF-26, and the opening day immediately reinforced that belief. Ferrari began the weekend in excellent form and established itself as the fastest team across Friday’s two practice sessions.
Lewis Hamilton leads Charles Leclerc in Ferrari FP2 one-two
The clearest indication came in FP2, when Lewis Hamilton finished approximately one and a half tenths ahead of Charles Leclerc. The British driver set the fastest time of the day on his second attempt after requesting another run from the garage, believing he could optimise the lap and recover the tenths he had left on the track during his first push lap.
Lewis Hamilton therefore ended Friday first and Charles Leclerc second, completing a dominant Ferrari FP2 one-two. Despite finishing behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc could still be satisfied with his day, particularly after the problem he experienced during the morning session.
Charles Leclerc’s FP1 problem causes no lasting concern
Near the end of FP1, Charles Leclerc suffered an unpleasant “blackout” that brought his SF-26 to a halt only minutes before the chequered flag. Although the Monegasque driver had entered the pit lane, the problem prevented him from reaching the Ferrari garage.
The initial concern was followed by relief for both Ferrari and Charles Leclerc. The team’s technicians quickly resolved the mechanical issue, allowing him to participate normally in the afternoon session. Charles Leclerc completed the entire 60-minute FP2 session without further trouble at the circuit outside Budapest, which marks the halfway point of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Despite the work carried out at the rear of the car, Ferrari did not need to replace Charles Leclerc’s power unit. Avoiding an engine change following the FP1 problem was important for two reasons: it provided another positive indication of the reliability of Maranello’s 067/6 power unit and left Ferrari’s plans for both the Hungarian weekend and its season-long engine rotation unaffected.
Ferrari reportedly uses pre-ADUO power unit in Hungary
According to information provided by sources close to Ferrari, both SF-26 cars in Budapest are believed to be running an earlier power unit specification than the version featuring the upgrades obtained through ADUO. The report indicates that this is not simply an older engine used during free practice, as is customary, but the specification Ferrari intends to race throughout the weekend.
For Maranello, this represents a calculated reversal designed to manage its power unit rotation as effectively as possible across the championship. The strategy is considered viable because the Hungaroring is not an especially demanding circuit from an engine-performance perspective, reducing the potential cost of using the earlier specification.
The reported decision is consistent with analysis of how the Hungaroring changes power unit energy demands under the 2026 regulations. As Friday’s running clearly demonstrated, mechanical performance and aerodynamic qualities are particularly influential around the Hungarian circuit—and the SF-26 appears well equipped in both areas.
Leave a Reply