Norris secures pole position in Hungary, McLaren upgrades show impact
McLaren’s improved performance
Lando Norris achieved his first pole position of the year at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This marks McLaren’s first front-row start of the season and their first pole position. The team’s significant upgrade package introduced this weekend contributed to this success, with Norris topping the timesheets in both FP3 and Qualifying.
Despite the pole, Norris expressed caution about securing a victory, recalling a strategic misstep in Miami earlier in the season that allowed Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to win. Norris emphasized the need for a strong race performance, stating that one good qualifying session is not enough.
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, acknowledged that Norris’s pole position was an “overachievement.” He attributed it to McLaren’s effective execution during qualifying, alongside an underperformance from Ferrari, and potentially from Antonelli and Mercedes.
The team’s upgrade package is their first since Miami and represents efforts to correct aerodynamic philosophy issues identified after the initial races of the season. McLaren had faced challenges with the new Mercedes engine, feeling the impact of not being a works partner. Norris noted that while Ferrari had been quick, McLaren seemed to take a larger step forward in qualifying.
Overtaking is anticipated to be particularly challenging at the Hungaroring this year. Norris’s pole position offers an opportunity to improve on past results, particularly if he can maintain his lead over Charles Leclerc into the first corner.
Challenges for competitors
Lewis Hamilton, who was fastest after the first runs in the final part of qualifying, did not improve on his last lap. He later received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri. Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur took responsibility for the incident, stating that Hamilton was not warned in time.
Hamilton reflected on a challenging period, mentioning three penalties in three weekends. Despite setbacks, he expressed hope for a positive race outcome given the team’s pace. Ferrari had been considered favorites for the Hungarian Grand Prix due to their car’s cornering ability, despite lacking engine performance on a track that is less power-sensitive.
Leclerc, while acknowledging Norris’s strength, also suggested that Mercedes drivers would be in contention for the race. Hamilton will start from fifth position on the grid due to his penalty.
Aston Martin’s progress
Aston Martin also showed signs of improvement, with their significant upgrade package making an impact. Fernando Alonso managed to progress beyond the first qualifying session for the first time this season, lining up 16th on the grid. This marks a notable step forward for the team, which had faced a difficult period.
Alonso highlighted the importance of this progress for the team, stating that it has changed the momentum within the factory. He noted that they now have a clearer understanding of their targets for future packages and the next year. An engine upgrade from Honda is also expected for the race following the summer break.
The Hungaroring has not seen a pole-sitter win since 2020, with only three winners from pole in the last decade, suggesting that track position does not always dictate the race outcome.
Norris expressed his satisfaction with the pole, noting that he had felt good in the car over the past few weekends and that the upgrades seemed to make the car quicker. He had initially expected Ferrari to be strong but was pleased with McLaren’s progress in qualifying.
The Hungarian Grand Prix is scheduled for tomorrow.
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Source: formula1.com
