Norris has an answer to Ferrari by topping FP3

Norris is the first non-Mercedes driver to top an FP3 session in 2026. Credit: Formula One

The third and final practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix was topped by Lando Norris. The reigning World Champion made his mark on the Hungaroring with a 1:17.939. 

Lewis Hamilton was behind in P2 by 0.117 seconds. After comfortably topping FP1 and FP2, the other teams have found an answer to compete with Ferrari’s pace. 

Kimi Antonelli finished P3, making this the first FP3 session of the season that has not been topped by a Mercedes driver, and the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc finished P4. 

Oscar Piastri finished P5, half a second behind his teammate, and George Russell had no answer for the Hungaroring as he only managed P6. 

The two Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar struggled in P7 and P8 respectively, with their car looking particularly difficult to drive due to oversteer. 

Liam Lawson continued to show the pace of the Racing Bulls in P9, but fortune did not favour his teammate Arvid Lindblad. The British rookie suffered a hydraulic problem with his car, and would only appear to complete two laps at the end of the session, still managing an impressive P13 finish. 

Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top ten, as he still continues his quest for his first points of 2026. 

Both Aston Martins are significantly quicker this weekend and can now compete with the lower end of the field. Their B-Spec car enabled Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to finish the session in P17 and P18, ahead of both Williams and Cadillacs. 

Aston Martin's B-Spec car can challenge the lower midfield. Credit: Formula One.

Sergio Perez did not post a time due to a significant brake issue bringing his Cadillac to a stop at Turn 2, momentarily bringing out the red flag. 

Looking ahead

The Hungaroring is often referred to as Monaco without the barriers. The twistiness, stress on tyres and difficulty to follow other cars makes qualifying vital. 

McLaren have finished 1-2 at the last two Hungarian Grand Prix, and Norris has hit the ground running by topping FP3, but can he convert this into pole? Ferrari continue to be strong and Antonelli is still in the mix.

One thing is for certain - after seeing the times swapping throughout FP3 and the drivers wrestling with their cars, this upcoming qualifying session is going to be won on driver merit.