The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix kicked off with an intense first practice session in the heat of the Hungaroring.
- Carlos Sainz set the pace with a remarkable lap, showcasing Ferrari’s strengths on this tight circuit.
- Max Verstappen tested Red Bull’s new upgrades with promising results, hinting at a competitive weekend.
- Mercedes’ George Russell led an early charge before Ferrari’s dominance took over the session.
- Several drivers including Zhou Guanyu and Lando Norris impressed with their performances, pushing the limits on the track.
In the sizzling heat of the Hungaroring, the first practice session for the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix got underway with drivers eager to hit the track. Max Verstappen was among the first, taking his newly upgraded Red Bull for a spin on soft tires. While he aimed to bank a solid lap, competitors primarily chose medium tires, setting the stage for an exciting duel.
As the session progressed, attention turned to soft tires, with Mercedes capturing the spotlight. George Russell topped the timing sheets initially, closely followed by Lewis Hamilton. However, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc soon stole the show, putting in swift laps. Sainz’s impressive 1:18.713 lap time put him in the lead, almost three-tenths faster than teammate Leclerc.
The track, reminiscent of Monaco’s tight and twisty nature, suited Ferrari perfectly, allowing them to exhibit excellent pace. As the clock ticked down, Verstappen re-emerged on his earlier soft tires, coming remarkably close to Sainz’s time in the initial sectors but losing time in the final part of the lap. This performance hinted that Red Bull’s latest upgrades might offer a competitive edge.
Behind the top runners, Zhou Guanyu of Sauber capitalized on his team’s updates, nearly matching Russell’s performance and earning a spot in the top five. He shared this top ten finish with McLaren’s dynamic duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who clinched sixth and seventh respectively. VCARB’s Yuki Tsunoda, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, and Mercedes’ Hamilton rounded out the top ten with impressive laps.
Overall, the practice session set the stage for a thrilling weekend, with Ferrari leading the charge but Verstappen’s performance indicating a potentially fierce contest ahead.
The opening practice session of the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix promises a competitive weekend, with Ferrari on top but rivals in close pursuit.
