On Saturday, Charles Leclerc impressively secured pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix. What seemed to be a titanic battle between McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris turned into a huge surprise: the Ferrari driver outperformed both favorites. Max Verstappen, after a challenging qualification, will start the race at the Hungaroring on Sunday from the eighth position.
Q1: Verstappen Falls Behind Racing Bulls
Should Verstappen be concerned about the qualification after disappointing free practice sessions? It certainly seems so at first. From the outset, the Dutchman plays a secondary role in the fight for the top positions. He moves on to Q2 as the eleventh – which is still better than the sixteenth place of teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Surprisingly in the top-3: Fernando Alonso with his new front wing (second) and Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bulls car (third).
Eliminated: Tsunoda, Gasly, Ocon, Hülkenberg, and Albon
Q2: Disappointing Hamilton Eliminated
Norris and Piastri, the McLaren duo, are unmatched and can prepare for a duel in Q3. The rest of the field is a few tenths of a second slower. With Lance Stroll as a surprising third. Both Racing Bulls also make it, as does Gabriel Bortoleto in the Sauber. And Verstappen? He can’t keep up with the top in Q2 either. But at least he makes it to Q3; as number 8 this time. However, he is far from satisfied with the car, as he lets know via the onboard radio. Lewis Hamilton fares even worse; the Ferrari driver surprisingly finishes twelfth and has to step out.
Eliminated: Antonelli, Hamilton, Bearman, Sainz, and Colapinto
Q3: Pole Position for Leclerc!
Which McLaren driver will be on pole on Sunday? The answer is: none. Because it’s not Norris or Piastri who is the fastest, but Leclerc. The Monegasque gives Ferrari its first pole position of the season. To his own surprise, he outperforms everyone in Q3 thanks to an excellent lap. Piastri comes second, Norris third. Unfortunately for the Dutchman, a stunt in Q3 is not in the cards for Verstappen. “No grip,” he shakes his head. The final result for Verstappen: P8.
