Norris snatches Hungary quali pole from Hamilton late
Lando Norris snatched Hungarian Grand Prix pole in dramatic Q3 quali at the Hungaroring, edging Lewis Hamilton by 0.012s with a 1:17.207 lap after late yellow flags from Max Verstappen's spin and George Russell stopping. Charles Leclerc starts third; Mercedes' season-long pole streak ends.
McLaren's reigning world champion timed his final flying lap to perfection in Budapest, converting upgraded pace into his first pole of the 2026 season. Ferrari's Hamilton held provisional P1 after the first Q3 runs but could not improve when it mattered, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli settled for fourth.
Key Takeaways
- Norris took pole with a 1:17.207, beating Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds.
- Leclerc locked out Ferrari's front-row challenge in third; Antonelli starts fourth.
- Verstappen spun on his final lap and Russell stopped with a car issue, triggering late yellows.
- Hamilton faces a stewards probe for potentially impeding Oscar Piastri.
- UK viewers can catch Sunday's race live on Sky Sports F1 from 2pm, with build-up at 12.30pm.
Who won Hungarian GP quali and how close was it?
Norris crossed the line last in Q3 to seize pole after Hamilton had looked set for his first Grand Prix pole since Hungary three years ago. The Ferrari driver was roughly a tenth clear after the first runs, but grip faded on the second attempt and he stayed on 1:17.219.
According to Formula 1's official report, Norris avoided two late yellow flags — Verstappen spinning and calling his car "completely broken," then Russell ordered to pull up at Turn 1. Leclerc was third (1:17.445), Antonelli fourth, and Oscar Piastri fifth ahead of Verstappen and Russell.
Why does this quali result matter for the race?
The Hungaroring is famously hard to overtake — often dubbed "Monaco without the walls" — so grid position is decisive. Norris said he was "very, very happy to be back on top," noting McLaren's Hungary upgrades "certainly helped" on a track where pole is especially valuable.
The result also ends Mercedes' run of 10 poles from the start of 2026. Both Hamilton (possible Piastri impede) and Antonelli (yellow-flag slowing) face post-session investigations that could reshuffle the grid. For more race-weekend alerts, browse our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Where can you watch the Hungarian Grand Prix?
Sky Sports lists Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix at 2pm UK time, with Grand Prix Sunday build-up from 12.30pm on Sky Sports F1 and Main Event. Coverage is also available to stream via NOW.
The race is the final Formula 1 round before the summer break, with lights out at 1500 local time at the Hungaroring. Expect a tense front-row scrap if Norris converts pole — or if Hamilton, an eight-time winner here, can strike early.