Norris claims pole ahead of Hamilton for Hungarian GP

Michael Bradburn• ·
McLaren's British driver Lando Norris celebrates winning the pole position after the qualifying session at the Hungaroring racetrack in Mogyorod near Budapest, Hungary, on July 25, 2026 ahead of the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix.
ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP / Getty

Reigning F1 champion Lando Norris posted the fastest time during qualifying on Saturday at the Hungaroring, claiming pole position for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

With seconds remaining in qualifying, it appeared as if Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was going to become the oldest polesitter in decades but Norris narrowly surpassed him.

Hamilton's teammate Charles Leclerc will start on the second row alongside current championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

Position Driver Team Time
1 Lando Norris McLaren 1:17.207
2 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +0.012
3 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.238
4 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +0.272
5 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.477
6 Max Verstappen Red Bull +0.518
7 George Russell Mercedes +0.553
8 Isack Hadjar Red Bull +0.649
9 Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls +1.074
10 Nico Hulkenberg Audi +1.479
11 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls Q2
12 Pierre Gasly Alpine Q2
13 Franco Colapinto Alpine Q2
14 Gabriel Bortoleto Audi Q2
15 Esteban Ocon Haas Q2
16 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin Q2
17 Ollie Bearman Haas Q1
18 Carlos Sainz Williams Q1
19 Alex Albon Williams Q1
20 Lance Stroll Aston Martin Q1
21 Valtteri Bottas Cadillac Q1
22 Sergio Perez Cadillac Q1

Multiple yellow flags came out during the final session, including one for a Verstappen spin that caused Antonelli to slow in the final corner.

It's the first pole position for Norris after winning the championship last year. It's also the first time this season pole position has been claimed by a driver outside of Mercedes.

"It's been a while," Norris said. "I felt confident all weekend."

Norris' McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri accused Hamilton of impeding on Turn 1 following the session.

XRedditFacebookWhatsAppEmailSMS
MORE STORIES