The Belgian Grand Prix has left the 2026 Formula 1 season with a clearer picture, and it's heading to Budapest. Kimi Antonelli extended his title challenge with another dominant win at Spa-Francorchamps, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton kept their resurgence going. In the meantime, George Russell had a high-priced retirement that took a toll on his championship aspirations.
The Hungaroring is a tight, twisty circuit that values qualifying pace and tire usage, so here are the five drivers best suited for Round 11.
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Antonelli is still the obvious favorite. The Mercedes rookie won his sixth race of the season in Belgium and is 45 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship. He has been consistent, and Mercedes is still running the fastest all-round package on race weekends. The Hungaroring's focus on precision and not necessarily straight-line speed should be ideal for Antonelli and his car.
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Leclerc's second-place result at Spa was a sign of the improvement that had been seen in Ferrari's performance in recent times. The Monegasque has always been a master of technical circuits, and Budapest has always been a city that has rewarded Ferrari's high downforce abilities. If Leclerc is able to start on the front row, he will be one of Antonelli's biggest challenges.
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
Hamilton's pace over the weekend indicated he could have been in the fight for the podium despite the five-second penalty, even if he finished fourth in Belgium. The seven-time world champion also moved up to second in the Drivers' Championship following George Russell's retirement.
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He has been more successful than any other active driver at the Hungaroring and is a real threat to win.
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Verstappen again made the best of Red Bull's package, taking third place at Spa. The RB22 is still behind Mercedes and Ferrari, but Verstappen's ability to get the lap time means he is always in the running every weekend. If he performs well in the qualifying round, he may be in a position to challenge.
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
It was a weekend to forget in Belgium as Russell's race was cut short by an opening lap collision and technical problems. But a bad game doesn't take away from a great season. Prior to Spa, Russell was Antonelli's best championship contender and one of the best qualifiers on the grid. Mercedes is aiming for another one-two punch in Hungary, where they are likely to get a spirited response.
The Hungaroring has always been a place where overtaking opportunities are scarce, and qualifying has been the key to success. Antonelli is the man to beat this weekend, but Ferrari's form is improving, and Leclerc and Hamilton will make it tough for the championship leader.