Norris Edges Hamilton by 0.012s to Take Hungarian GP Pole
Lando Norris claimed pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix in a dramatic qualifying session, edging Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds to secure his first Grand Prix pole of the 2026 season. Norris's final lap came as the track appeared to be losing grip, while several of his rivals struggled to improve, leaving McLaren with a front-row start and Ferrari with both cars inside the top three.
Hamilton looked set for a strong challenge for pole after showing impressive pace throughout qualifying, but he could not find enough time on his final attempt. Charles Leclerc will start alongside Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli on the second row, while Oscar Piastri qualified fifth after losing his final lap time. Max Verstappen will start sixth after spinning on his final run, with George Russell seventh ahead of Isack Hadjar.
The result represents a major opportunity for Ferrari. Hamilton and Leclerc have both shown strong pace throughout the weekend, with the team topping FP1 and FP2 before Norris took over at the front in FP3. Ferrari's decision to preserve soft tyres during qualifying could also prove important for Sunday's race.
McLaren, meanwhile, has put itself in an excellent position. Norris had looked increasingly competitive throughout the weekend, and his pole confirms that the team's upgraded package can deliver strong performance at a circuit where outright top speed is less important than cornering ability and balance. Piastri's fifth place leaves the Australian with work to do from the third row.
One of the biggest stories further down the grid is Aston Martin's progress. Fernando Alonso reached Q2 and qualified 16th, marking the team's first Q2 appearance of the season after introducing a major upgrade package at the Hungaroring. Although Alonso could not advance into Q3, the result offers the team its clearest sign yet that the new developments are beginning to move the AMR26 in the right direction.
With Norris and Hamilton separated by just 0.012 seconds at the front, and Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull all represented near the sharp end, the Hungarian Grand Prix is set up for a fascinating battle when the lights go out.