In a thrilling display at the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri outpaced teammate and championship rival Lando Norris by a mere 0.032 seconds in Saturday’s final practice session, setting the stage for an electrifying qualifying round. The Budapest circuit, known for its historic significance since hosting Formula One’s first race behind the Iron Curtain in 1986, buzzed with anticipation as McLaren showcased their dominance.
Piastri and Norris Set Blistering Pace
Piastri, the current championship leader, clocked a remarkable 1:14.916, narrowly beating Norris’s 1:14.948. Their times were a significant 0.399 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who secured third. Piastri’s lap was three-tenths quicker than Norris’s pole time from the previous year, signaling McLaren’s strong form. With rising temperatures expected to challenge car cooling systems during qualifying, teams will need to adapt swiftly, potentially shifting the competitive balance.
Hamilton Bounces Back, Verstappen Struggles
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, after a challenging weekend in Belgium and a tough Friday in Hungary, showed resilience by claiming fourth place, just 0.3 seconds behind Leclerc. His performance underscored his record as an eight-time Hungaroring winner. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, struggled to find rhythm, finishing a surprising 12th.
Intense Competition Unfolds
As the session progressed, the top teams ramped up their efforts. Verstappen briefly led with a 1:16.547, only to be overtaken by Leclerc, Mercedes’ George Russell, and then Piastri, who posted a 1:16.240. Verstappen responded with a 1:16.202, improving on his Friday best, but Leclerc’s 1:16.137 edged him out by 0.06 seconds. Piastri, showcasing his affinity for the Hungaroring, surged ahead with a 1:15.871 before unleashing his session-best 1:14.916 after a pit stop.
Hamilton, defying earlier struggles, climbed to second temporarily with a 1:16.015, while Norris rose to third, 0.2 seconds behind Piastri. Leclerc later reclaimed third, pushing Hamilton to fourth, but McLaren’s commanding pace remained unchallenged.
A Qualifying Showdown Awaits
The close contest, observed by Formula One’s former chief Bernie Ecclestone, hints at a fiercely competitive qualifying session. McLaren’s dominance, Hamilton’s resurgence, and the tight margins at the top promise a thrilling battle for pole position at the Hungaroring.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Hungarian Grand Prix as the 2025 season heats up.
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