No bull, just pace: McLaren sets the tone in Hungary

Written by Elaina Russell

The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend kicked off with a statement from McLaren, as the papaya squad topped both Free Practice sessions in Budapest. Lando Norris went two-for-two on the day, while Oscar Piastri slotted in directly behind him each time, continuing the team’s mid-season surge in form.

It’s a crucial weekend at the twisty, downforce-heavy Hungaroring–a circuit that favors rhythm and chassis balance over outright horsepower. With rain potentially looming and a softer tyre range in play, Friday’s dominance may be more than just symbolic.

McLaren on track at the Hungaroring | Credit: Formula One

Practice 1: Piastri poised, Alpine powerless

The morning session saw Norris, Piastri, and Leclerc make up the top three followed–perhaps unexpectedly–by Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar in the RB, and Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari rounding out the top five.

Piastri, now holding a 16-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship, looked composed and consistent. He returns to Budapest as the defending race winner, and based on Friday, could well repeat the feat.

Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, continues to chase confidence through the twistier sectors. He notably lost time through Turns 5, 8, and 9. But Ferrari’s general performance suggests he may not be far off once conditions stabilize.

Elsewhere, Fernando Alonso sat out FP1 with a muscular back injury, making way for Felipe Drugovich. The Brazilian finished the session 16th, ahead of only a handful of full-time drivers. FP1 also saw Paul Aron take over for Nico Hülkenberg at Kick Sauber, though he saw his running cut short after triggering a yellow flag and a virtual safety car with a technical issue.

Antonelli had a rough outing in Spa | Credit: Formula One

Mercedes has reverted to an older suspension spec in a bid to restore balance. Kimi Antonelli hinted at the intent: “First of all, we’re going back on old suspension, so hopefully it will bring the good feeling back, and the goal is really to deliver a good Qualifying and try to drive at my best.”

With Pirelli supplying the C3, C4, and C5 compounds this weekend–softer than Spa and matching Austria–teams are preparing for a two-stop race. With a risk for rain on Sunday, intermediates may also come into play.

Practice 2: Alonso returns, Norris repeats

FP2 featured a shuffled but still familiar top five. Norris again led the session, followed by Piastri, Leclerc, Stroll, and somehow–Fernando Alonso, back in the AMR25 after being medically cleared that morning.

Aston Martin issued a simple statement: “Having undergone further treatment this morning and medically cleared by the FIA, Fernando will be back in the AMR25 alongside Lance Stroll.”

While Alonso’s P5 certainly flatters, it also reflects a wider trend–this circuit emphasizes driveability over engine performance. Expect the midfield battle to remain volatile heading into qualifying.

Looking ahead

Norris leads both Friday sessions. Piastri is the reigning winner. Ferrari looks consistent, Mercedes experimental. And Aston Martin is quietly in the mix. As always at the Hungaroring, Saturday qualifying will be crucial. Track position matters here more than most circuits on the calendar–and based on what we’ve seen so far, McLaren has every reason to be optimistic.