"The car was just undriveable": Leclerc reacts to frustrating result in Hungary

Written by Chloe Buckley, Edited by Meghana Sree

After a shock pole position in Saturday's Qualifying, Charles Leclerc leaves Hungary empty handed due to a chassis issue causing a drop in race performance.

Charles Leclerc speaking to the media after the Hungarian Grand Prix | Credit: Formula One

The race started off well for Charles Leclerc before he began to drop back in the latter half of the race, losing the podium to George Russell.

Speaking to the media following the race and referencing his radio message that expressed frustration with the team, Leclerc said: "I spoke too soon I guess because getting out of the car I got a few more details about what went on.

"I thought it was about something else that we had discussed but unfortunately it was a problem with the chassis. There was an issue on that side so we will look into it for it to not happen again."

This was the first time Ferrari have started from P1 since the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, so it was a huge opportunity for Leclerc to pick up a first race win for the team in 2025. He finished at the Hungaroring today in a disappointing P4 with a five-second penalty to boot after erratic defence against Russell in a desperate attempt to keep third place.

When pressed about the chassis issue, Leclerc added: "It doesn't make me feel any better because when you are fighting for a win and then you have those kind of issues. We need to look as it for it to never happen again as the car was just undriveable."

The exact problem with the chassis is still unknown, but Leclerc stated: "It was a one-off so it's something we need to look into but I don't think it's something we will ever have again.

"It's very frustrating to have everything under control, have the pace in the car to win, and then you are nowhere. We're not even on the podium."

The action will continue after the annual summer break as Formula One returns to Zandvoort from 29th to 31st August.