The Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session delivered a stunning upset today, as Charles Leclerc secured an unexpected pole position for Ferrari, marking a significant turn of events in the highly competitive Formula 1 season. This electrifying performance at the Hungaroring near Budapest has sent ripples through the paddock, setting the stage for a thrilling race on Sunday.
Leclerc’s pole lap was a masterclass in precision, narrowly edging out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by a mere 0.026 seconds. The Ferrari driver himself admitted to being shocked by the result, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of the session. For the Scuderia, this F1 Qualifying pole position (excluding Sprint Races) is their first of the season and provides a much-needed morale boost after a challenging period of form.
McLaren, who had shown dominant pace throughout practice and Friday sessions, were widely tipped for pole, having secured it at the Hungarian GP last year and winning ten of the thirteen races so far in 2025. Despite Piastri’s strong P2, and Lando Norris qualifying P3, their Q3 performance couldn’t quite match Leclerc’s late heroics, indicating the volatile conditions that affected Formula 1 Qualifying on Saturday.
Beyond the front runners, the session saw several notable performances, including Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto impressively securing P7. Reigning champion Max Verstappen surprisingly qualified P8, struggling with grip throughout the session. The Racing Bulls duo of Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar rounded out the top ten, showcasing their progress on the Grand Prix circuit.
Post-qualifying, team principals and Ferrari F1 Team members provided candid insights. Leclerc’s team principal spoke of the challenges in managing tyre windows in fluctuating conditions, praising Charles’s “mega lap” that put the Ferrari F1 Team in a prime starting position. Meanwhile, the McLaren Racing team principal acknowledged the unexpected outcome, pointing to changing wind and temperature as factors that prevented them from replicating their earlier pace.
Other drivers also weighed in on their challenging sessions. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin secured P5 and P6 respectively, expressing satisfaction with their car’s suitability to the track layout. They anticipate a strong race, given the difficulty of overtaking at Hungaroring. Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon faced a tougher outing, highlighting the fine margins that define Formula 1 racing.
The struggles extended to the Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri camps. Max Verstappen’s unusual P8 was attributed to a lack of grip and balance, a sentiment echoed by his teammate, who just missed Q2. The AlphaTauri team principal lamented not giving their drivers the car they wanted, emphasizing the need to analyze data to unlock more performance ahead of tomorrow’s Grand Prix.
Williams’s Alex Albon, despite a tough weekend, managed P13, narrowly missing Q3, while Logan Sargeant exited early. Haas drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, also found themselves at the lower end of the grid, frustrated by an unpredictable car balance that changed significantly from practice to F1 Qualifying. The narrow margins throughout the field underscore the intense F1 competition.
Looking ahead to race day, the forecast for mixed conditions adds another layer of intrigue. Teams are preparing for potential rain and varying temperatures, which could dramatically alter team strategies and create opportunities for those starting further back. This promises an unpredictable and exciting Hungarian Grand Prix as drivers battle for crucial Formula 1 championship points.
