Leclerc Takes Pole in Hungary as Ferrari Strikes Back

August 2, of 2025, F1 (Foto: JustFormulaCar)

Charles Leclerc delivered a clinical pole position performance at the Hungaroring, reasserting Ferrari’s presence in the 2025 Formula 1 season. With a car that looked balanced and aggressive through the technical corners of Budapest, Leclerc outpaced both McLarens to claim the front spot for Sunday’s race. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will start second and third, setting up a thrilling three-way battle at the front. Ferrari’s strategy and upgrades seemed to hit the mark this weekend, as Leclerc looked in control from Q1 to Q3, managing tire wear and pace effectively. His final lap was inch-perfect, sealing a key psychological advantage over his title contenders.

George Russell secured P4 with a consistent showing, and while he lacked the edge to challenge for pole, his starting position puts him within reach of a podium. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll followed in P5 and P6, respectively, with Aston Martin showing good single-lap pace but falling short of contending for the front row.

Max Verstappen could only manage P8 in a session that exposed Red Bull’s ongoing difficulties on twisty, low-speed tracks. The reigning champion will need to push hard in the opening laps and rely on strategy to claw back positions. Yuki Tsunoda’s 16th-place start adds further concerns for the Red Bull camp, as their junior team also struggled to extract performance despite encouraging free practice sessions.

Among the standout performers was Gabriel Bortoleto, who put his Sauber in P7 and continued his impressive rookie campaign. Liam Lawson (P9) and Oliver Bearman (P11) also posted solid results, confirming that the new generation is rapidly taking hold of the midfield fight.

Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton had underwhelming sessions, qualifying P13 and P12 respectively, in what appeared to be a difficult balance and grip issue for both. Hungary has historically produced tactical battles and dramatic moments, and this year’s grid is perfectly set for another. With Ferrari and McLaren in front and Red Bull further down, fans can expect an intense fight shaped by strategy, pit stop timing, and tire management.

Starting Grid – 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix

1. Leclerc (Ferrari)

2. Piastri (McLaren)

3. Norris (McLaren)

4. Russell (Mercedes)

5. Alonso (Aston Martin)

6. Stroll (Aston Martin)

7. Bortoleto (Sauber)

8. Verstappen (Red Bull)

9. Lawson (RB)

10. Hadjar (RB)

11. Bearman (Haas)

12. Hamilton (Ferrari)

13. Sainz (Williams)

14. Colapinto (Alpine)

15. Antonelli (Mercedes)

16. Tsunoda (Red Bull)

17. Gasly (Alpine)

18. Ocon (Haas)

19. Hulkenberg (Sauber)

20. Albon (Williams)