Hungaroring could suit Ferrari's SF-26 on paper but Fred Vasseur not taking anything for granted

It has been clear for some time that Ferrari, the closest team taking the fight to Mercedes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, have a better chassis with their SF-26 superior in corner performance while lacking power.

Despite that, Ferrari mugged Mercedes in Silverstone, where Charles Leclerc won and Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium, and put up a tough fight in Silverstone with the Monegasque also finishing second while leading for some time, albeit following an opportunistic pit stop under a Virtual Safety Car.

But the situation is expected to be different for Ferrari this weekend in Hungary, as power unit performance will be less of a factor.

Previewing the race in Budapest this weekend, Vasseur said: "We head to Budapest after two encouraging weekends in which we managed to maximize our result thanks to a great team effort. 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," the Frenchman noted, "but that alone is no guarantee.

"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.

"We have a united team, two highly motivated drivers, and we know we can count on the support of all our tifosi.

"Our objective is to keep moving in the same direction, working well from Friday onwards to put ourselves in the best possible position for qualifying and the race," Vasseur concluded.

Ferrari are second in the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship behind Mercedes, while Hamilton is second in the Drivers' Standings behind Kimi Antonelli.