Mercedes faces challenges from McLaren and Ferrari in Hungary
Formula1.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 8:18 AM
Last updated Jul 26, 2026

Kimi Antonelli stated that Mercedes is falling behind McLaren and Ferrari in development after a difficult qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Antonelli qualified fourth, initially aimed for P3 but received a grid penalty, dropping to seventh. He acknowledged that competitors had better upgrades and that tire issues contributed to his performance. With a focus on development, Antonelli indicated the struggle will continue through the season as teams strive for improvements.
- •Antonelli qualifies fourth, drops to seventh after a penalty.
- •Struggled with tire performance during qualifying sessions.
- •McLaren and Ferrari have made significant upgrades.
- •Mercedes has not introduced recent downforce upgrades.
- •The battle for development continues throughout the season.
"Kimi Antonelli believes Mercedes have been overtaken in F1's latest development race, with McLaren and Ferrari making significant gains through recent upgrades ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
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