Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Spa-Francorchamps, 2025

Charles Leclerc believes he is weaker at the Hungaroring than he is at any other circuit on the grand prix calendar.

The Ferrari driver said “I wish I knew” why he finds the 4.3-kilometre circuit so challenging.

“I don’t know, it has just not been very successful for me in the past,” said Leclerc.

None of his 26 pole positions, 10 fastest laps or eight wins have come at the Hungarian circuit.

“It’s probably something with my driving style I’ve got to work a little bit harder compared to other tracks,” he said, “but that’s fine.”

Ferrari have enjoyed an upswing in performance in recent races. Leclerc finished third last weekend as the team tightened its hold on second in the championship ahead of Mercedes. However Leclerc isn’t convinced they have the second-strongest car yet.

“We’ve had four podiums in the last six race weekends [but] I don’t think though yet that we are at the level where we can say that we are the second-strongest team on the grid,” he said. “But we are working towards that and we are making steps in the right direction.

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“There’s been quite a few upgrades in the last few weekends, which helped us to close the gap to the guys in front.

“This weekend, I’m not sure. I think it’s by far the worst track of the season for me. So I’m looking forward to try and prove that wrong and to have finally a good weekend here in Budapest.”

Leclerc has never started higher than third at the Hungaroring and has been out-qualified by his team mate at this track in four of his seven visits so far. He is yet to stand on the podium at the circuit, having peaked with fourth place in 2019 and again last year.

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