Lewis Hamilton not making any assumptions ahead of Formula 1's Hungarian Grand Prix

That is the same sentiment Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur echoed in the team's Hungary preview while admitting the SF-26 should, theoretically, go well around the Hungaroring.

That comes in the wake of two tracks, Silverstone and Spa, which were not supposed to suit the 2026 Formula 1 Red single-seater. As it turned out, Charles Leclerc won in Silverstone with Hamilton on the podium. The Monegasque was also on the podium in Spa, while the Briton had a scruffy race to fourth.

However, Hungary can be a chance for Hamilton to head into the summer break on a high as he sits second in the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship, 45 points behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.

“I don’t want to make assumptions," he told the reporters in Hungary. "We went to a couple of races… I mean, we ultimately should have won the last two races, I think, if we perfected the weekend.

“In Silverstone, the car was capable of winning, and then in Spa, we were a lot more competitive than we thought, so I think I missed something on that weekend. That’s something I don’t want to do this weekend.

“I think we’ve got a car that can compete. Mercedes is still the car to beat, and they won’t be easy to beat this weekend, but I do think we’ve made subtle progress. Hopefully we can be fighting with them this weekend," Hamilton added.

Hamilton's life at Ferrari has been transformed after a horrible maiden season at Maranello for the seven-time Formula 1 Champion back in 2025. Now, he is still in Title contention and when asked how that felt, he responded: “It’s amazing. It’s a great feeling. Especially if you look at the contrast of where we were last year here.

“For one, I’m really proud of the team, of the step we’ve taken collectively, and then I have to always acknowledge my own efforts, the work that I’ve put in, and the changes that I’ve made to enable us to be where we are. I’m really proud of myself for that.

“Still a lot of work to do, still a mountain to climb in the second half of the season, but I’m more focused than ever and really believe that we can fight," the winner of 106 Grands Prix concluded. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)