Charles Leclerc keen to avoid Monaco trap in Hungarian GP prediction

Charles Leclerc has avoided speculating where Ferrari could stack up in the pecking order at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.

Earlier this year, Ferrari entered the event from Monaco as the favourites to take victory around the narrow track layout.

It was theorised by many that the characteristics of the circuit would suit the SF-26.

However, it was Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli who proved to be in top form around the track, taking pole position and the race victory.

With the Hungaroring often compared to the Monaco circuit due to its short and narrow layout, some have predicted once again the Italian squad will be in strong form this weekend.

But Leclerc is remaining cautious, telling media including RacingNews365: “We could be, but we could also not be, and we’ll never know until we go there.

“I think it’s very difficult to predict the level of performance of every team. 

“I recall very well what the overall feeling was before Monaco, and we arrived in Monaco and were underperforming compared to what everybody thought we would. 

“We need to be cautious. We just need to do our homework, just like we do at every different track.”

Ferrari has scored two race victories so far this year, with Leclerc and team-mate Lewis Hamilton sharing one victory apiece.

While it did not have the most competitive outing last time out in Belgium, Leclerc has hailed the team for consistently managing to get the most out of the car.

“What we did particularly well over these last two weekends was to really make sure that we maximised our package,” he said.

“That’s the mentality we should keep for Budapest, without thinking about expectations.”