Charles Leclerc has secured pole position in Hungary! The Monegasque’s fast lap on the Hungaroring came as a surprise, and the Ferrari driver outpaced the two McLarens. Even Leclerc himself did not see his first-place start coming. ‘It’s the most beautiful pole position I’ve ever taken,’ said a beaming Leclerc.
“I really don’t understand Formula 1 today,” Leclerc said after the session with a smile from ear to ear. “The whole qualification was extremely difficult, I’m not exaggerating. In Q3, the conditions changed again, everything became really tough. I knew I had to drive a good lap to even secure the third starting spot. And then it turned out to be pole position, I didn’t expect that.”
The changing weather conditions – the qualification started dry, but there were a number of rain showers – also made for extra difficult circumstances. “I could indeed feel it. When the rain came in Q2, I hoped it wouldn’t last too long. That didn’t happen, and the conditions changed again. But in the end, I still have pole position. I honestly have no words for it. It’s the most beautiful pole position I’ve ever taken because it’s the most unexpected.”
‘Start and first corner most important’
And what are Leclerc’s expectations for the race? The Monegasque last won a Grand Prix in Austin in 2024. “The start and the first corner will be the most important moments,” Leclerc anticipates. “I have no idea how it will go, but I’m sure I will do everything I can to keep the first place. If that works, the rest of the race will be easier.”
