Ferrari impressed earlier today, but qualifying remains key as Mercedes and McLaren look to challenge at the technical Hungaroring
It was Ferrari first in practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier today, as Lewis Hamilton led teammate Charles Leclerc one-two at the top of the timesheets.
Hamilton is an eight-time winner here and lapped with a best time of one minute 18.729 in the day’s second afternoon session. He’ll be chasing his tenth Hungarian pole.
The third practice session is tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. BST (6:30 a.m. EST), followed by qualifying tomorrow at 3 p.m. EST (10 a.m. EST).
The race is Sunday, 2 p.m. BST (9 a.m. EST).
Leclerc was fastest after the first practice session, before something broke in his car. He was second fastest to his teammate (0.148 slower), followed by Lando Norris, driving for McLaren, 0.499 off the pace.
Tougher day for Mercedes, with George Russell the best for that team, fifth in both sessions but nearly a second slower than Hamilton. Kim Antonelli, who leads the F1 drivers’ standings with 204 points, was 13th after missing the first session.
“The car feels dreadful,” said Russell, per Reuters. “It’s so out of balance.”
Hamilton sits second in the drivers’ standings, at 159 points, followed by Russell (154), Leclerc (126) and Norris (103).
So, the track looks better suited to Ferrari this weekend. Still, Leclerc told Reuters that despite Ferrari’s strong start, Mercedes is the team to beat.
“I still personally expect Mercedes to be the reference, and they are going to be very difficult to beat on the qualifying lap,” he said.
The Hungaroring is 4.381 kilometres long, with 14 corners and very few long straights, meaning mechanical grip is more important than top speed, so cars that are stable under braking excel. There are fewer opportunities to exploit engine power there. It’s more about cornering speed, traction out of slow corners, rewarding downforce, a circuit where Ferrari’s strengths can shine.
In F1 betting at Betway, Hamilton is the favourite, at +190, followed by Leclerc +220, Antonelli +300, Norris +1000, Max Verstappen +1000, Russell +1400, and Oscar Piastri +1800.
In terms of best bets, it’s tough to go against Hamilton for Sunday, even two days out, at +190. The track suits his smooth style and experience. At the very least, he’s a strong podium contender.
Keep an eye on Leclerc this weekend as well, for a podium finish. He was right next to Hamilton in both practice sessions today. A Norris podium is another market with some appeal, since he showed decent single-lap pace.
