Starting grid Hungarian GP: Norris on pole, Verstappen benefits from grid penalties

Lando Norris starts from pole position on Sunday afternoon at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The reigning world champion secured McLaren’s first pole of the season and thus has the best chance to maintain the lead on the winding Hungaroring. Beside him, Charles Leclerc is aiming for a perfect start, while Max Verstappen moves up to the second row thanks to two grid penalties and sees his chances of a strong result increase.

The first row of the grid is thus formed by Norris and Leclerc, with the Ferrari driver in particular knowing how important the opening meters are on a circuit where overtaking is traditionally difficult. Oscar Piastri completes the top three and, together with his McLaren teammate, poses a serious threat to the competition.

Also read: Verstappen moves up to P4 due to penalties for Hamilton and Antonelli in Hungary

Verstappen seemed to have to settle for the sixth fastest time on Saturday, but benefits from the penalties for Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton. Both drivers received a three-place grid penalty, moving the Dutchman up to fourth on the grid. This offers the Red Bull driver a significantly better starting position than expected after qualifying.

Hamilton, who originally finished second, will therefore start from fifth place. George Russell moves up to sixth position, while Antonelli has to settle for seventh on the grid. Behind them, Isack Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hülkenberg form the rest of the top ten. Hülkenberg, in particular, impresses by qualifying the Audi in the top ten.

Further down the field, it is noticeable that Aston Martin is cautiously showing signs of recovery. After the team’s extensive update, the racing stable is no longer the backmarker of the field. Fernando Alonso only manages sixteenth on the grid, but the improved performance offers perspective for the rest of the season.

The Hungarian Grand Prix starts on Sunday at 3:00 PM Dutch time.