Ferrarius Charles Leclerc gave a stunning surprise on Saturday when he penetrated the position of the pole for the Hungarian Grand Prix and in the dramatic qualifying session objected to both McLaren drivers.
The Ferrari driver was visibly excited and after he learned that he had set the fastest time. Leclerc finished only 0.026 seconds before the Oscar Piastrim and 0.041 seconds without Lando Norris and caught the pole by the narrowest edges.
It was an unexpected result, as Leclerc fought for a pace compared to McLarens for most of the sessions. However, it seemed that the shift in the track conditions during Q3 was beneficial to Ferrari, while McLaren’s form immersed. Norris and Piastri were half a second slower than their earlier pace and opened Leclerc’s door to surprise.
Leclerc himself looked amazed at the result. Just two days earlier he described Hungary as “by far the worst track of the season for me”.
When he said through Team Radio he had secured the pole, Leclerc answered the unbelieving “What?”
Later, talking to the media, Leclerc said, “Honestly, I have no words. It’s probably one of the best positions I’ve ever had because it’s the most unexpected.”
Starting with the pole in Hungary, it offers a significant strategic advantage. The tight and rotary circuit is notorious for limited overtaking, which is a decisive position on the track. However, with overcast conditions of the race day, the strategy could still play a major role.
“I have no idea how it works, but one thing is sure – I will do absolutely everything to keep myself first,” said Leclerc, who will focus on his ninth victory of Formula 1 on Sunday.
Contrasting wealth in Ferrari
While Leclerc celebrated at the top of the grid, it was a completely different story for teammates Lewis Hamilton. The The seven -time world champion could only handle 12. in qualifying.
“Every time, every time,” Hamilton murmured over the radio, frustrated by another disappointment of Saturday.
Ferrari has been looking for his first Grand Prix victory ever since Carlos Sainz jr triumphed in Mexico Last October, which also called their last position to the pole.
For Leclerc and Scuderia, Sunday is a golden opportunity to end your run without victory and turn what was a challenging season.
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Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
August 2, 2025
