Charles Leclerc prefers to remain cautious before the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Monegasque refuses to repeat the mistakes made before Monaco.
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As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, many see Ferrari among the favorites. The winding and narrow layout of the Hungaroring is often compared to that of Monaco, a circuit where Scuderia seemed, on paper, to have many advantages.
But Charles Leclerc refuses to get carried away by the predictions.
The Monaco precedent remains in everyone’s minds
Before the Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari was widely announced as the team to beat. Many believed that the characteristics of the SF-26 perfectly matched the Monaco circuit.
However, it was ultimately Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli who dominated the weekend by securing pole position and then victory.
Leclerc therefore prefers to avoid any hasty conclusions.
“It’s possible that we will be competitive… but it’s just as possible that we won’t be. We won’t know until we get there.”
Impossible to predict the hierarchy
The Monegasque driver believes that the gaps between the teams have become extremely difficult to anticipate.
“It’s very difficult to predict the performance level of each team.”
The Monaco experience specifically encourages him to remain measured.
“I remember very well what everyone thought before Monaco. We arrived there and ultimately performed less well than expected.”
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For this reason, Ferrari does not want to harbor any excessive expectations.
“We must remain cautious. We just have to do our job, like on every circuit.”
Capitalize on recent progress
Ferrari already has two victories this season, one for Leclerc and one for Lewis Hamilton.
Even if the Italian team did not shine in Belgium, the Monegasque believes that his team managed to get the most out of its equipment in recent races.
“What we have done particularly well these last two weekends is to maximize the potential of our package.”
A philosophy he wishes to maintain in Hungary.
“It’s this mindset that we must keep in Budapest, without being influenced by expectations.”
Rather than projecting himself into a potential fight for victory, Leclerc therefore prefers to wait for the first free practice sessions before evaluating Ferrari’s true level on a circuit where surprises are never to be excluded.
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