Why Ferrari Can Win the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix

The 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix is just around the corner, and Scuderia Ferrari can be the leading team going into the race on July 26, 2026.

While Mercedes is leading the driver and constructor championships, Ferrari is not far behind in both, as Lewis Hamilton is 45 points behind the five-time pole setter this season, Kimi Antonelli, with 204 points. Also in the constructor standings, they are 73 points behind.

Kimi is in amazing form, but this Hungarian Grand Prix can be the place for Charles Leclerc or the driver with the most wins on this track, Hamilton.

Why Ferrari is Perfect for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix

The Hungaroring track is being compared to Monaco, and it has been said that it is a "Monaco without the walls" because of its tight corners and a very top-speed track where acceleration, grip, and turning technique are the most important parts of the race. This characteristic places less focus on outright speed and instead highlights the strengths of the Ferrari SF-26 chassis, which has excelled on similar circuits this season.

The three biggest factors working in Ferrari’s favor include:

• Elite Mechanical Grip: The Ferrari suspension package is very good at producing huge amounts of traction from slow-to-medium speed turns. With 14 turns on the track, good car rotation is required instead of effective aerodynamics.

• The Qualifying Master: Overtaking at the Hungaroring is notoriously difficult, making qualifying performance especially important. Charles Leclerc has established himself as one of the strongest qualifiers in the field, giving Ferrari a realistic chance to secure a front-row start.

• Lewis Hamilton Record: Statistically, the Hungaroring belongs to Lewis Hamilton. The British driver has stood on the top step of the podium in Budapest eight different times, spanning his early McLaren days right through his dominant era with Mercedes. It’s a staggering run that puts him tied with Michael Schumacher for the second-most wins any driver has ever managed at a single F1 circuit.

Key Stat: The Hungaroring requires high-downforce stability over single-lap bursts, an exact replica of the conditions where Ferrari outpaced Mercedes earlier this season.

With stable tire management to handle the intense track heat and a car built specifically for slow-speed cornering, Ferrari has its best opportunity of the summer to stand on the top step of the podium.

Hungarian Grand Prix Session Times

If you are looking to know when the first F1 Hungarian Grand Prix practice is 1 will start and when the main race will start, then here it is for you. In this table, you will find it all.

So be ready on July 26 for the main race, or if you are a true fan, then you must be excited to watch the first practice where each car will test its grip.