Charles Leclerc’s stint in Hungary this weekend was disastrous, and it cost him a lot.
The Ferrari driver had everything lined up for a perfect weekend. After taking a brilliant pole position, he truly believed victory was within reach. But one decisive stint in Hungary changed everything, turning Charles Leclerc’s hopes into sheer frustration.
A perfect start quickly turns into trouble
Leclerc started from the front and controlled his first stint with authority. From the opening laps, he pulled away from Oscar Piastri and confirmed a pace worthy of a potential race winner. After a flawless second pit stop by Ferrari, everything seemed under control.
Unfortunately, from lap 40 onward, the Monegasque driver felt his SF‑25 become unmanageable. Over the radio, he described the car as “undriveable.” Leclerc later mentioned a chassis issue that sent him spiraling, which cost him that crucial stint in Hungary.
Despite all his efforts, his lap times collapsed. In the end, he could only salvage fourth place. His disappointment was clear after the race. According to Leclerc, this was probably his best chance of winning all season.
The final stint that cost Leclerc a lot in Hungary
Race data confirms that the final stint was the turning point. On one hand, Ferrari pointed to a mechanical issue. On the other, George Russell suggested a different theory.
Fears of excessive floor wear may have pushed the team to increase tire pressures. They also chose to run a less powerful engine mode. As a result, Leclerc lost both top speed and grip. This left him unable to hold off his rivals during that final stint in Hungary.
And yet, his early stints had shown he could fight toe-to-toe with McLaren and Mercedes. Ultimately, the Hungaroring became a painful reminder of Ferrari’s technical limits. It’s especially disheartening considering this race was supposed to mark Leclerc’s return to the top.For Leclerc, this catastrophic stint in Hungary will be remembered as a wasted chance for a long-awaited victory. A race where every detail mattered, and where one wrong decision changed everything.
