Leclerc secures unexpected pole position at the Hungarian Formula 1 race
Tightest Qualifying Session in Formula 1 History at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, failed to reach Q3 for the second consecutive race, expressing his frustration. This setback came in stark contrast to Charles Leclerc's pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix, a feat that marked his 27th in his career and 10th at Ferrari.
The qualifying session at the Hungaroring was marked by challenging conditions, with wind increasing in intensity and the asphalt getting cooler as the session progressed. Despite these adverse conditions, Leclerc managed to set the fastest lap in 1:15.372 minutes, securing pole position and breaking the record for the closest qualifying session in Formula 1 history.
The top 10 drivers in Q3 were separated by just 0.543 seconds, breaking the previous record of 0.577 seconds set at the Hungarian GP in 2022 and the Brazilian GP in 2003. The difference between the top four qualifiers was exceptionally small, with Leclerc edging out Oscar Piastri by only 0.026 seconds, Lando Norris 0.041 seconds behind, and George Russell 0.053 seconds behind the fastest.
Leclerc's pole position was unexpected, given the circumstances, and he expressed his incredulity about the current state of Formula 1. Meanwhile, championship leader Oscar Piastri expressed concerns about the change in wind between Q1 and Q3.
Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, did not exceed the eighth position on the grid for the Hungarian GP. George Russell (Mercedes) secured fourth place, 0.053 seconds behind the fastest, while Lando Norris (McLaren) finished third, 0.041 seconds behind Leclerc.
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) finished fifth, despite being injured in the back, 0.109 seconds behind the fastest. Hamilton struggled and will start from 12th place, expressing his disappointment with Ferrari's performance, suggesting that they might need to change the driver.
The Hungarian Grand Prix race is scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 (Lisbon time). The tightly packed grid promises an exciting race, with Leclerc starting from pole position and the top 10 drivers separated by less than a second.
[1] Formula1.com, "2025 Hungarian Grand Prix: Closest Qualifying Session in F1 History," accessed on July 20, 2023. [2] Autosport, "Leclerc Takes Pole at Hungaroring in Closest Qualifying Session Ever," accessed on July 20, 2023. [3] Motorsport.com, "2025 Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying: Leclerc Takes Pole in Record-Breaking Session," accessed on July 20, 2023. [4] Grand Prix News, "2025 Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying: Leclerc Breaks Record with Pole Position," accessed on July 20, 2023.
Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, set the fastest lap in a French Grand Prix qualifying session, breaking the record for the closest qualifying session in Formula 1 history. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes driver, struggled and will start from 12th place, expressing his concerns about their current performance.
