Lewis Hamilton Penalised As Lando Norris Snatches Pole In Hungarian Grand Prix

 

Lando Norris poled at the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session in an eventful race during which Max Verstappen missed out on contending after spinning off track on the last lap.  

It was Norris'first pole of the season, and he achieved it by edging Lewis Hamilton to move up in the front row on his second run.  He snatched the pole with 100th of a second, faster than the F1 seven-time champion in 1:17.207s. 

While Hamilton had an impressive session in Q3, Charles Lecelec squeezed through Q2, delivering an impressive pace on his second run, taking a leap to come out of the elimination zone and qualifying in P2. Another eventful moment was Verstappen. The Red Bull driver spun off track in the final turn and was unable to improve on his time. 

It was an unimpressive session for Kimi Antonelli, who also squeezed through in Q2. He left it late on his second lap before delivering the pace that lifted him out of the elimination zone. George Russell also retired from the race on his second run. He packed up his car at Turn 1 and walked away from the track.

Unlike the previous weekend, the Mercedes duo were not strong contenders in Hungary. Meanwhile, Ferrari had a great time, particularly Hamilton, who narrowly missed pole for the second time this season in Budapest. Despite his performance, Hamilton will not be starting in P2, following a three-place penalty. 

Hamilton was found culpable for an Infringement on McLaren's Oscar Piastri in Q3. Effectively, Leclerc will take his place behind Norris while Piastri will move up the row. Also, Antonelli will lose his position due to a three-place penalty given him for not observing the virtual safety car when Verstappen spun off track. 

Hungarian Grand Prix Quali Top 10

1. Lando Norris (McLaren)

2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

6. George Russell (Mercedes)

7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 

8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

9. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bull)

10. Nico Hulkenburg (Audi)