A change in wind direction and strength at the Hungaroring not only affects Lando Norris, but also his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in the decisive part of the qualifying for the Hungarian GP. “The corners suddenly felt very different. Especially the last sector was very difficult,” Norris claims.
In three free practice sessions, they are unstoppable: in the final part, McLaren even delivers a knockout blow through Piastri. The competition is gasping for breath at a considerable distance. McLaren also takes command in the qualifying immediately. After the second session, Piastri leads the field. The burning question is only: which of the two McLarens will secure pole?
Charles Leclerc does, followed by Piastri and Norris. “Disappointing for us,” says the Brit, who was unstoppable in Friday’s practice sessions. “But Charles did a good job in the last round.” The fact that McLaren let the cheese be eaten off its bread, Norris judges, has mainly to do with the changed weather conditions in the final session. And especially the wind. “The conditions were very different. Q2 felt very good, then we showed how fast we can be. Q3, on the other hand, was dramatic. Just bizarre. The wind has so much influence on the car, especially on this circuit with many corners. Very frustrating.”
Since overtaking at the Hungaroring is almost impossible, Charles Leclerc seems to be in a comfortable position for victory in the Hungarian GP. “Charles has been our biggest opponent in recent weeks. If anyone could have taken pole from us here, it’s Charles,” Norris states. “But,” concludes the British McLaren driver, “I think we have a bit more speed. It’s going to be an exciting race no matter what.”
