Hungarian Pole to Leclerc
Qualifying at the Hungaroring plays a crucial role, as this circuit is notoriously difficult for overtaking. Starting position and car reliability often determine the final result. However, securing pole position does not guarantee victory — it is common for the race to be won by the driver starting second.
McLaren drivers dominated the practice sessions, with Lando Norris topping the timesheets on Friday and Oscar Piastri setting the fastest time on Saturday morning.
During the first qualifying session, all drivers used the soft compound tyres. Although rain was forecast, drivers were cautious about going out early as the track temperature was falling and the surface was getting faster. Piastri set the best time of 1:15.211. Several drivers, including Tsunoda and Ocon, were eliminated.
The second session started with a delay to clear gravel from turn 12. Track temperature dropped by 10 degrees, and light rain began to fall. Drivers rushed onto the track, with Norris posting the fastest lap at 1:14.890. The rain soon stopped, leaving the track dry. Drivers such as Berman, Hamilton, and Sainz failed to advance to the final round.
In the decisive final, Piastri initially set the quickest time, but Charles Leclerc improved to claim pole with a lap of 1:15.372. McLaren drivers fell just short, with the entire top three separated by only four hundredths of a second.
Tomorrow, Leclerc and Piastri will share the front row, followed by Norris and Russell on the second row, and Alonso and Stroll on the third.
For the event, Pirelli brought the softest tyre compounds — C3, C4, and C5 — designated as hard, medium, and soft respectively. The soft tyres proved to be durable, heated up quickly, and provided excellent grip throughout the sessions.
