Can Leclerc hold the pole? What to watch on the Hungarian GP

 

Changing the conditions and qualifications that surprised that it was surprised by its pole. Charles Leclerc took the best place on Saturday and moved McLaren’s expectations about the dominance of the front line with a wedge that he was amazed.

“I definitely didn’t get it,” Leclerc said. At the beginning of the week he called him the Hungarings “by far the worst track of the season”, a place where he tries to adapt his natural driving style. Yet, when it mattered, he released.

“Honestly, I have no words,” he said. “It is probably one of the best positions of poles that has a day, because most of the Onexation, certainly.”

When the conditions turned into Q3, windier, with a noticeable drop in the track temperature, the grip levels have shifted dramatically. Drivers who looked previously dominant suddenly found that they were chasing a car. It was in the McLarens window that he fought and struck Leclerc. If similar conditions arise during the race, there will certainly be a shake in the regular order of the race and if Leclerc can last in its position after the first corner, it is in the shot to win victory.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris

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Can Piastri last Norris?

The Oscar Piastri championship begins in the front row behind Moneyque. Although it is his first real struggle for the title at the highest level of motorsport, the Australian was verified under the print.

For the battle of the championship as a whole, Hungary could be a turning point. Piastri is 16 points ahead of Norris in the ranking. If Piastri gets better starting out of the line and cleans Leclerc to turn 1, it will become a clear favorite. With a racial pace, which they showed in long runs, Piastri has every chance to control the pace from the front.

But breathing directly in his mirror is Lando Norris. Masterring is often downloaded as “Wall -free Monaco”, redring to its tight layout and the rhythm he asked. British performance in Monte-Carl could be a reflection of what to come to Deday, because it seems that he has the upper hand on his teammate in terms of slow corners of speed.

George Russell – a quiet threat

Mercedes has fought in the last weekends, with both drivers to appear through the corner entrance, a sign of a car that does not correspond. This season, however, has one formula: when the track temperature drops, the silver arrows seem to slap. Sunday conditions are expected to reflect what we have seen in the fourth quarter, where colder air helped unlock better balance. If this trend was true, George Russell could be a quiet threat, from P4 to perhaps a late stage if the pioneers were released.

Fifth placed qualification of Fernando Alonso

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Aston Martin from the rear row to the front fight

Aston Martin was buried in the spa with shoes with cars starting with the last row of grids. Just a week later in Hungary, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will assemble P5 and P6 Attopty. It is a Turbarbaround note, and while recent upgrades, especially the rear wing for added downforce, are part of the story, it can be more in the game.

“The car has not changed much for anyone, and this layout seemed better for our package, so we have to maximize these types of weekends,” Alonso said.

The hasty nature of Hungary can mask the weaknesses with a high SPI car, the opportunity window that the team will earn eagerly. Alonso, nursing muscular back injuries, remains as tireless as always, so expect a double champion that sets out every ten on Sunday.

Verstappen on the wilderness

For Max Verstappen it was another weekend uphill. The Dutchman spent most of the practice with a GIP deficiency and a car that seemed to be willing to turn as he liked. Qualified eighth; Not the disorder, but deep below where Red Bull was last year. As for more, it is how it plunges to push through the dominance of Aston Martins, who in mixed conditions seem more plants. Yet, if rain arrives on Sunday, it could swing. It seems that Verstappen is doing well in wet, especially when the car ceases to be different and instinctive because it becomes a big equalizer.

Lewis Hamilton

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Hamilton’s history says they don’t count it

While the teammate Leclerc caught the pole, Lewis Hamilton fought – at least on paper. But is it really as bad as it looks? Hamilton seemed to be struggling with the balance of the car during practice, but his bike times were not far from Leclerc. Missing on Q3 refused the opportunity to make the most of the mixed conditions where it usually shines.

It’s not the first time. In the spa he qualified badly, but turned it surrounded by a morning stop and clinical overtaking to climb back to the points. A Hungarian GP could follow a similar script. He won eight times in Hungary, more thanonon in history and took nine pole positions. Sunday may be less about fame and more about limiting damage and the dance did before.

Six drivers, within one tenant in QX3. The weather that does not decide. As in the spa, the track could begin wet and then start drying, but visibility could allow more wet weather.

Opponents with the title side by side on the grid. And a package of experienced rain dancers waiting for paint.

Hungary can be the last race before the summer break, but it could be the one that sets the tone for the rest of the season. Respect the tension. Surprise. And maybe expect chaos.

Initial grid:

P1: Charles Leclerc / Ferrari

P2: Oscar Piastri / McLaren

P3: Lando Norris / McLaren

P4: George Russell / Mercedes

P5: Fernando Alonso / Aston Martin

P6: Stroll / Aston Martin Lance

P7: Gabriel Bortoleto / Kick Sauber

P8: Max Verstappen / Red Bull Racing

P9: Liam Lawson / Racing Bulls

P10: Isack Hadjar / Racing Bulls

P11: Oliver Bearman / Haas

P12: Lewis Hamilton / Ferrari

P13: Carlos Sainz / Williams

P14: Franco Colapinto / Alpine

P15: Kimi Antonelli / Mercedes

P16: Yuki Tsunoda / Red Bull Racing

P17: Pierre Gasly / Alpine

P18: Esteban Ocon / Haas

P19: Nico Hulkenberg / Kick Sauber

P20: Alexander Albon / Williams