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.
The tight and twisty circuit has long been viewed as one of Ferrari’s stronger venues in 2026. The team’s car is regarded as the strongest in the field, while the track’s limited demand for engine power could reduce the impact of Ferrari’s straight-line deficit to Mercedes.
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.
The Scuderia also arrives in Budapest with encouraging recent form. Charles Leclerc won at Silverstone and finished second at Spa, while Lewis Hamilton took third and fourth at those respective races. Ferrari’s performance at both circuits strengthened the sense that the team can remain competitive even when power and straight-line speed are major factors.
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.
