Ferrari's Charles Leclerc Secures Pole Position for 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix
Why it matters: Charles Leclerc has delivered Ferrari's first pole position of the 2025 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, a stunning lap denying McLaren.
The big picture: Leclerc's exceptional performance in Q3 saw him capitalize on a shifting wind direction that caught out McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who had held provisional pole. This marks the Scuderia's first pole since Carlos Sainz's achievement in Mexico last season. McLaren, meanwhile, is now chasing their 200th Grand Prix win.
The details:
- Leclerc's Pace: After Piastri and Norris initially set the pace, Leclerc found an extra gear when it mattered most, securing the top spot.
- Red Bull's Struggle: Max Verstappen will start the race from an unusually low eighth position.
- Hamilton's Challenge: Lewis Hamilton recorded his worst-ever starting position on pure pace in Hungary, qualifying 12th. (His 2014 last-place start was due to an engine fire, not pace).
What's next: All eyes are now on Sunday's race. Leclerc will aim to convert his pole into a victory, while McLaren looks to challenge him for their milestone win. Verstappen and Hamilton face significant recovery drives from the midfield.