McLaren drivers lead Hungarian training sessions
The Hungarian Grand Prix, the 14th race of the 2025 Formula 1 season, is set to take place on Sunday at 15:00 CET/Sky. The race will be held at the Budapest circuit, a track with a rich history, as it was here that Fernando Alonso claimed his first Formula 1 victory in 2003.
In the championship standings, McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are locked in a fierce battle. Piastri currently leads with 284 points, 16 points ahead of Norris, who is on 275 points. Both drivers have shown impressive form this season, with Piastri securing two race wins and Norris at least four.
During the practice sessions held the day before the race, Piastri and Norris dominated, with Norris setting the fastest lap and Piastri finishing second. However, the reigning champion Max Verstappen struggled with balance problems in his Red Bull, settling for midfield positions in both sessions.
Nico Hülkenberg returned to the cockpit for the second practice session and finished twelfth, while Charles Leclerc of Ferrari returned as the third-best. Unfortunately, 21-year-old Paul Aron, given a chance to drive for Hülkenberg's Sauber team in the first practice session, had technical problems and had to park his car.
In a move according to regulations, Sauber fielded a young driver in place of Hülkenberg in two practice sessions this season. Aston Martin's reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, replaced Alonso in the first practice session. Alonso, who is suffering from a muscle injury in his back, returned for duty after further treatment and received medical clearance from the FIA to participate in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
As the championship race heats up, the duel between Piastri and Norris is shaping up to be a defining feature of the 2025 F1 season. With just a narrow margin separating them in points and consistent strong qualifying times and race results, their intra-team rivalry promises to add an exciting dimension to the rest of the season.
spectators at the Budapest circuit might witness a thrilling race between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, as they continue their heated sports competition. Piastri, with 284 points, leads Norris by 16 points, but Norris has been equally impressive this season, securing at least four race victories.
