Vasseur plays down Ferrari’s “on-paper” advantage at the Hungaroring

Ferrari refuses to accept favourite status

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has played down the Scuderia’s potential advantage ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, despite the Hungaroring appearing to suit the characteristics of the SF-26.

Ferrari’s power unit is understood to be down on top-end speed because of the smaller turbo deployed by the Italian team. That compromise was expected to be less significant at the Hungaroring than at more power-sensitive venues.

Readers can also follow the wider weekend context in our 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix preview, but Vasseur is determined not to let expectations run ahead of execution.

Execution remains Ferrari’s priority

Vasseur called for discipline and attention to detail throughout the weekend, stressing that the Hungaroring’s apparent suitability is not enough to guarantee a strong result.

“We head to Budapest after two encouraging weekends in which we managed to maximise our result thanks to a great team effort,” Vasseur said. “That gives us confidence, but we also know that every grand prix throws up its own unique challenge.”

“On paper, the Hungaroring could suit the characteristics of our car a little better, but that alone is no guarantee.”

The Ferrari boss identified operational precision as the decisive factor, rather than relying on the circuit’s theoretical match with the SF-26.

“As always, execution will make the difference: we will have to approach the weekend with the same concentration, discipline and attention to detail we have shown over the past two races,” he added.

Vasseur said Ferrari has a united team, two highly motivated drivers and the support of its tifosi. The immediate objective is to maintain its recent direction, beginning with effective work from Friday and building towards the strongest possible qualifying and race performances.