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

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.

World
World

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

Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc dons his helmet before the second practice session at the Hungaroring circuit near Budapest, Hungary, on August 1, 2025, in preparation for the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix. — AFP pic

Latest

April 27, 2026
World
World
White House shooting suspect allegedly targeted Trump administration officials, had anti-Christian manifesto, say authorities.

WASHINGTON, April 27 — A man accused of targeting US administration officials at a Washington event has been arrested after allegedly opening fire, injuring a Secret Service agent.

April 27, 2026
Local
Local
Teo Nie Ching обеспressive rise as scam-related content takedowns reach 43,618 in Q1.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Social media platforms removed 43,618 pieces of scam-related content in the first quarter of this year, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.

April 26, 2026
World
World
China pledges support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and security during Wang Yi’s meeting with Min Aung Hlaing

BEIJING, April 26 — China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said Beijing would “firmly support” Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty and security during talks with junta leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing.