Lando Norris took top honours in the final part of free practice ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Armed with a slew of fresh upgrades, including an updated floor and new rotating rear wing, the reigning world champion topped the final session just over a tenth clear of second-place Lewis Hamilton.
The Scuderia was the standout entry in free practice as Charles Leclerc went fastest in FP1, despite a technical issue. Hamilton took up the baton in FP2 0.148s ahead of his teammate. Having won here on eight previous occasions – the most of any driver in history – Hamilton will be one to watch this weekend.
Kimi Antonelli handed his car over to Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti in FP1 and, despite encountering handling issues upon his return in FP2, recovered to third in FP3. Leclerc ended the final session fourth ahead of Oscar Piastri and George Russell. After a frustrating weekend at Spa during which he complained of battery issues, Russell has stated that Mercedes has diagnosed and rectified the issue in Hungary.
Max Verstappen was happy to have kept in touch with the leaders during the first two sessions and ended FP3 in seventh, one place ahead of his teammate Isack Hadjar on the back of a six-race point-scoring streak, one he will be keen to extend this weekend. Liam Lawson has finally been given the upgrades that were only fitted to his teammate’s car in Belgium. The RB driver ran wide at turn four but quickly gathered himself to set the ninth fastest time ahead of the two Audis of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, the German outfit having been best of the rest in FP1.
Pierre Gasly took 12th in FP3 ahead of Arvid Lindblad, whose car underwent a precautionary power unit replacement in FP3. As a result, the teenager had very little track time in the final part of free practice and will have some catching up to do for the remainder of this weekend. Franco Colapinto handed his car over to Alpine reserve Paul Aron in FP1. The Argentine engendered the red flag after a crash at the final corner in FP3, but not before setting the 14th fastest time.
Esteban Ocon was 15th ahead of his teammate Ollie Bearman. After a frankly dismal season so far, Aston Martin comes to Budapest with no fewer than 16 upgrades. The AMR-26 now sports a lighter chassis, revised gearbox, new nose, modified rear suspension unit and altered front brake ducts, to name but a few.
Even so, Lance Stroll suffered a dramatic suspension failure and a spin in FP1. The team was unable to fix his car in time, which caused him to miss the entirety of FP2. He later got into a skirmish with his teammate Fernando Alonso at Turn 12 in FP3, the session ending with Alonso in 17th, one place ahead of Stroll.
Valtteri Bottas returned to the track in FP2, after making way for Colton Herta in FP1. The ten-time race winner ended FP3 19th ahead of the two Williams cars of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Sergio Perez suffered a dramatic brake failure and finished FP3 bottom of the pile.
Norris announced his arrival in FP3. However, with Ferrari on the march and Mercedes in close attendance, a three-team fight for pole could be on the cards this afternoon.
