Hungaroring launch pad for title showdown as Aston Martin shuffle for Alonso continues
Norris Tops Opening Practice by Barely Two-Hundredths
Lando Norris eclipsed his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by a minuscule 0.019 seconds to lead the first practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix with a time of 1:16.052, setting the tone for an intense weekend between the championship rivals.
The session unfolded under warm and dry conditions, giving McLaren clean air to showcase their pace early on.
Top Four Snapshot
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:16.052 (P1)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.019s (P2)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.217s (P3)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – a strong P4 showing in his rookie campaign
Completing the top ten were Lewis Hamilton, Oliver Bearman, Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Lance Stroll rounding out the highlights.
Aston Martin Experiments with Drugovich
World Champion Fernando Alonso missed FP1 due to a muscular back injury sustained at the Belgian GP, with Felipe Drugovich stepping in for the opening session alongside Lance Stroll. Aston Martin have yet to confirm Alonso’s return for FP2 or beyond.
Drugovich, the 2022 F2 champion and Aston Martin reserve driver, has participated in testing sessions but this marks one of his rare outings within a race weekend.
Title Picture: Norris vs. Piastri
- Piastri, entering the weekend with a 16-point championship lead over Norris, faces fresh pressure as his teammate sets the pace early.
- Norris’s slight edge in FP1 could signal that McLaren remain strong favourites at the tight, twisty Hungaroring.
Practice Lookahead
| Factor | Insight |
|---|---|
| McLaren One‑Two | Dominated FP1; close battle sets tone |
| Ferrari & Leclerc | Leclerc P3 validates Ferrari’s improved setup |
| Aston Martin Options | Drugovich subbing indicates cautious recovery plan |
| Title Tension | Norris nipping at Piastri’s heels in standings |
