Charles Leclerc Blames Ferrari Issues for Missed Hungarian GP Victory

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has revealed that “impossible” technical problems with his SF-25 prevented him from converting his Hungarian Grand Prix pole position into a race win.



The Monegasque driver took his first pole of the 2025 season in Budapest, delivering a stunning lap that outpaced both McLarens, while team-mate Lewis Hamilton qualified in 12th.



It marked Leclerc’s 27th career pole, but his conversion rate remains low, with only five of those starts turning into victories.



Strong Start, Rapid Decline



At the start of Sunday’s race, Leclerc looked capable of challenging for victory, keeping both McLaren title contenders at bay and briefly pulling away from championship leader Oscar Piastri.



However, his pace fell sharply during the second half of the race.



He eventually crossed the line more than 42 seconds behind winner Lando Norris and outside the podium places.



Post-race radio exchanges revealed Leclerc’s frustration, and he later confirmed the car’s issues had made winning impossible.



Honest Reflection After Frustrating Weekend



“A weekend of ups and downs,” Leclerc wrote on Instagram.



“First pole of the season but unfortunately a much more difficult race with issues that made the win impossible.



“We’ll keep pushing for the second half but before that, it’s time to resttttttttt.”



Hamilton Under Pressure



The Hungarian GP marked the final race before F1’s mandatory summer break, during which drivers and teams must take 14 consecutive days off.



While the pause offers rest for all, Hamilton may benefit most as he works to reset his season.



Since becoming Leclerc’s team-mate in January, Hamilton has been outqualified in 10 of 14 races and trails by 42 points in the drivers’ standings.



Leclerc has secured five podiums and now a pole position this year, while Hamilton has yet to record either.



The Briton’s frustrations surfaced during the weekend when he suggested he was “useless” and hinted his seat could be better used by another driver.
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