Lando Norris snatched Hungarian Grand Prix pole position from Lewis Hamilton in a thrilling finale of qualifying in Budapest.
Ferrari’s Hamilton looked set to take his first Grand Prix pole since the same event three years ago. At the time, he was 10th clear of Norris after the first drive of the third quarter. But the McLaren driver looked for improvement as his rivals struggled to get a 12,000th of a second clear of his compatriot in the penultimate race.
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who leads Hamilton by 45 points at the top of the drivers’ championship, had to settle for fourth behind the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc as the Silver Arrows’ streak of 10 poles to start the season ended.
Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri added to the drama of a thrilling climax by spinning at the final corner of his final flying lap, ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for fifth.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lando Norris caught Lewis Hamilton at the Hungaroring as Max Verstappen and George Russell struggled in Q3.
George Russell’s struggles continued as he finished seventh, with his Mercedes breaking down on track on his lap towards the end of the session.
Both Hamilton and Antonelli risk grid penalties as they face post-session investigations. Hamilton potentially stymied Piastri, but Antonelli may not have slowed down enough as he approached the yellow flag warning of a spin by Verstappen.
Reigning world champion Norris’ 17th career pole is his first since last November’s Las Vegas Grand Prix and comes on a weekend in which McLaren brought a significant package of upgrades to a car that had been a major disappointment to this point in 2026.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lewis Hamilton’s P2 is under threat after Oscar Piastri blocked during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Norris said: “It was a difficult qualifying, these guys (Ferrari) were very fast. It was tight all weekend, but from the first lap we did we looked fast and brought a few upgrades.
“It’s hard to know how much it helps in terms of lap times, but it definitely helped today. I’m really happy to be back on top, especially at a track where I want to be on pole.”
British rookie Arvid Lindblad continued his strong form with a ninth-place finish for Racing Bulls, while Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top ten for Audi.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Anthony Davidson takes a look at Lando Norris’ flying lap to take pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso was full of encouragement as Aston Martin utilized their significantly upgraded car to get the team into the second quarter for the first time this season.
Alonso will start from 16th after finishing last in the second quarter, but the performance signals progress ahead of another big weekend for Aston Martin after the Dutch Grand Prix summer break, when engine supplier Honda will also bring significant upgrades.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1 Hungarian GP Schedule
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments from the Hungarian Grand Prix over the years.
Sunday, July 26th
7:35 AM: F3 Feature Race
9:05 a.m.: Porsche Supercup
10:20 AM: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Building up to the Hungarian GP: Sunday Grand Prix*
2pm: Hungarian Grand Prix*
4pm: Hungarian GP reaction: checkered flag*
5pm: Ted’s Note*
*Applies to Sky Sports main event as well
Formula 1 races to Budapest on Sunday for the Hungarian Grand Prix at 2pm, with build-up from 12.30pm, live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No Commitment, Cancel Anytime
