Ferrari claims first Hungary pole since 2017 as Leclerc narrowly beats McLaren pair

BUDAPEST, Aug 3 — Charles Leclerc secured Ferrari’s first pole position of the season on Saturday for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Monegasque driver will line up on the front row alongside McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, while Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris will start from the second row with fellow Briton George Russell of Mercedes in fourth.

“I honestly have no words — this is probably one of the best pole positions of my career because it was the most unexpected,” said Leclerc.

The 27-year-old set his fastest lap of 1:15.372 in the final moments of a tight qualifying session, navigating shifting conditions that left many rivals unable to improve on their earlier times.

Leclerc edged Piastri by just 0.026 seconds, with Norris 0.041 seconds behind and Russell 0.053 seconds off the pace in a thrilling finish.

This marks Leclerc’s first pole of the year, his first at the Hungaroring, and the 27th of his Formula One career. It’s also Ferrari’s first pole in Hungary since Sebastian Vettel achieved it in 2017.

“Qualifying was extremely challenging — and I’m not exaggerating,” Leclerc said, referring to the gusty conditions. “It was tough just getting through Q2 and Q3. In Q3, things got trickier and I aimed just to secure third with a clean lap.

“In the end, it’s pole — and I definitely didn’t see it coming.” — AFP