Charles Leclerc ignited controversy at the Hungarian Grand Prix after unleashing a scathing radio tirade against Ferrari, accusing the team of sabotaging his race with poor strategic calls. The Monegasque, who secured a surprise pole, saw his hopes of a podium crumble after a puzzling drop in pace during his final stint. Initially attributing his struggles to tactical errors, Leclerc later clarified that a chassis fault crippled his performance, admitting his earlier outburst was misdirected frustration.
The revelation didn’t silence speculation, as George Russell suggested Ferrari may have deliberately slowed Leclerc to prevent a disqualification over plank wear. His theory pointed to a possible increase in tyre pressure and reduced engine modes—a preventive strategy to manage underbody legality, given Ferrari’s prior disqualifications for excessive plank degradation. Analysts supported this hypothesis, noting a stark decrease in Leclerc’s straight-line speed and visible sparks early in the race, signaling low ride height.
Sky Sports pundits explained the precarious balance teams face between optimal qualifying setups and race compliance. With heavy fuel loads and cooler tyres at the start, plank wear becomes unpredictable. To avoid a breach, Ferrari might have implemented measures that compromised Leclerc’s grip and acceleration. These adjustments, while safeguarding legality, sabotaged the Monegasque’s competitiveness, leaving him a sitting duck for rivals in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s Hungarian nightmare deepened Ferrari’s woes. After qualifying a dismal 12th, the seven-time champion finished outside the points, apologizing to his crew with a somber radio message: “Really sorry about this weekend, guys.” His self-deprecating remarks—claiming he was “useless” and suggesting Ferrari needed a new driver—sparked concern among fans about his mental state and future with the Scuderia. The Brit remains winless in a Grand Prix since joining Ferrari, contrasting sharply with Leclerc’s five podiums this season.
As the team heads into the summer break, Ferrari faces mounting pressure to resolve both technical inconsistencies and fragile morale. Leclerc’s thwarted victory bid and Hamilton’s visible frustration underscore deeper systemic issues within Maranello’s camp. While conspiracy theories swirl and internal tensions simmer, the iconic Italian outfit risks seeing its season unravel unless it restores harmony—and speed—before the Dutch Grand Prix.
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