Lando Norris set the Hungaroring buzzing as he led McLaren to a thrilling top position during FP3.
The Hungaroring witnessed an electrifying display as Lando Norris showcased his skills in the final practice session, leading McLaren to a stellar 1-2 finish. Norris proved his prowess by navigating the MCL38 with precision, leaving competitors like Max Verstappen wrestling with their cars.
The session began under a cooler sky, contrasting the blazing temperatures of prior practices. Red Bull, strategizing with more hard tires but fewer softs, initially took the lead. Max Verstappen secured P1 early with a 1:17.9. However, the scene quickly changed as Esteban Ocon and then drivers like Alex Albon, George Russell, and ultimately Lando Norris began to shuffle the leaderboard positions. Norris notably marked a 1:16.9, setting the pace.
Despite attempts by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to challenge this, both faced struggles. Hamilton found himself battling for control as Charles Leclerc, who previously endured a significant spin in FP2, grappled with his car’s handling at Turn 4 again.
Meanwhile, the track saw a flurry of action. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari scrapped for position against Nico Hulkenberg, eventually edging ahead by 0.2 seconds. Amidst this, Pierre Gasly voiced his bewilderment over a major lock-up, Oscar Piastri encountered setbacks in the pits, and Sergio Perez surprisingly fell to 20th running on hard tires.
George Russell momentarily claimed the top spot with a 1:16.8, surpassing Norris by a fraction. Yet, the scenario transformed once McLaren’s duo suited up with new soft tires. Russell’s adjusted time was shortly outmatched by Norris’s remarkable 1:16.0, bolstering McLaren’s front-running status with Piastri closely following.
Verstappen made a late attempt on soft tires but faced two notable issues during his lap, placing him third. His follow-up attempt saw him skidding off track. Additionally, Hamilton’s session concluded with drama as he spun out, continuing to fight the rear of his car, prompting yellow flags.
The session closed with Zhou Guanyu encountering mechanical troubles, rolling back slowly to the pits, likely due to a hydraulic mishap. The final leaderboard locked in Norris at the top, followed closely by Piastri and Verstappen, showcasing a riveting prelude to the upcoming race events.
Lando Norris’s spectacular performance in the final practice at the Hungarian GP not only highlighted McLaren’s formidable presence but also set the stage for an intense qualifying session. As competitors grapple with their challenges, Norris and McLaren have carved a confident path forward.
