Charles Leclerc has labelled the Hungaroring his “worst track” as he aims to finally break his podium duck at the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Despite Ferrari’s strong recent form, the Monegasque is managing expectations this weekend at a circuit where he has never finished higher than fourth.
Leclerc arrives in Budapest on the back of a strong run with Ferrari, having finished inside the top three in four of the last six races.
However, speaking during Thursday’s Drivers’ Press Conference, he remained cautious about extending that productive form in Hungary.
Leclerc described the Hungaroring as his “worst track” when asked whether his recent podium at Spa-Francorchamps signalled that he and Ferrari can now regularly challenge.
“However, this weekend, I’m not sure,” he told media including Motorsport Week when pondering if a podium was on the cards. “It’s by far my worst track of the season.”
But he added with optimism: “I’m looking forward to trying to prove that wrong and to finally have a good weekend here in Budapest.”
The 27-year-old was also clear that Ferrari is not yet the second quickest car on the grid and maintained a realistic outlook on the team’s progress.
When asked why his record at the Hungaroring has been so poor, he admitted: “I don’t know, I wish I knew – it just hasn’t been very successful for me in the past.
“It’s probably something with my driving style. I’ve got to work a little harder here compared to other tracks, but that’s fine.”
Leclerc’s struggles and setbacks at the Hungaroring
The eight-time Grand Prix winner was also asked about his struggles at the Hungaroring given his strong performances at Monaco – a circuit often described as similar to Budapest but with walls.
He responded: “Maybe it’s the walls that are missing. I don’t know where it’s coming from, but I’m still confident we can have a great weekend. We’ll see how it goes.”
Leclerc has started seven races at the Hungaroring, failing to finish twice and never qualifying on the front row.
The only other current tracks on the 2025 calendar where he shares a similar record are Interlagos and Shanghai.
Leclerc’s fortunes at the Hungaroring have often been hampered by bad luck, most notably in 2021.
While both Red Bulls and Lando Norris were taken out by Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas at the start, Leclerc appeared set to slot into second behind Lewis Hamilton.
However, Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin charged into Turn 1, taking out both Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo and ending their races prematurely.
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