Charles Leclerc’s emotional radio messages during the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix highlighted more than just a driver’s frustration — they revealed ongoing technical challenges within Ferrari’s F1 operation. The Monegasque star, who stormed to pole in Budapest, saw his race unravel due to a sudden loss of pace and a car he described as “undrivable.”

Key Moments: From Pole to Fourth Place

• Stunning Pole Position: Leclerc edged out Oscar Piastri by just 0.026 seconds, giving Ferrari hopes of victory.
• Early Stint Control: Leading the opening laps, Leclerc managed his car well – until the second pit stop changed the race’s trajectory.
• Critical Tire Change: On lap 41, switching to hard compound Pirellis saw Leclerc’s pace tumble by nearly two seconds per lap.
• Radio Anger: Leclerc’s frustration peaked, stating, “We’ve lost all competitiveness. You just have to listen to me.”
• Falling Off the Podium: After defending aggressively, Leclerc finished fourth, 42 seconds behind the winner, with a penalty for contact with George Russell.

Martin Brundle’s Analysis: Ride Height and Ferrari’s Setup Gamble

Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle offered a deeper explanation for Leclerc’s struggles. According to Brundle, Ferrari’s SF-24 is particularly sensitive to ride height — especially at the rear. The car performs best when it’s close to the ground, but this brings the risk of excessive plank wear, pushing the car toward technical illegality.

When Ferrari raised tire pressures during the pit stop to avoid bottoming out and potential penalties, they inadvertently reduced grip, worsening Leclerc’s pace. Brundle notes, “We often see it heavily bottoming out. This can wear the plank underneath and render the car illegal… In Budapest, they raised tire pressures, which raises the car, but gives away grip.”

Leclerc’s Post-Race Comments: Chassis or Setup?

While Leclerc initially blamed the chassis for his issues, he softened his stance post-race, admitting that the problem became clearer after discussions with his team. Still, neither Leclerc nor Ferrari have clarified whether the chassis itself is at fault, or if the car’s aggressive low ride height is the real culprit.

Why This Matters for Ferrari’s 2024 Title Ambitions

This isn’t the first time Ferrari have found themselves compromised by setup choices. The need to run the car low for performance, while risking legality and tire performance, has cost them crucial points. With Leclerc’s record now just one win from his last 16 pole positions, Ferrari must find a more reliable balance if they hope to challenge for the championship.

Stay tuned to Lets Talk F1 for the latest technical insights and race breakdowns from across the Formula 1 grid.