Norris breaks Mercedes pole streak in Hungary, edges Hamilton by 12 thousandths

## Qualifying Lando Norris secured the 17th pole position of his career at the Hungaroring on Saturday, setting a time of 1:17.207. The reigning world champion beat Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by just 12 thousandths of a second, with Charles Leclerc completing the top three. Norris had topped the earlier third free practice session in a McLaren that he said had "bien répondu" all day.

Je suis très très content d'être de retour devant. Les Ferrari ont été très rapides et ça a été très serré. J'étais en confiance toute la journée, on a fait du bon boulot et la voiture a bien répondu. Je suis ravi pour l'équipe.

Hamilton's near miss

Lewis Hamilton, who holds the record for wins (eight) and poles (nine) at this circuit, thought he had done enough for his 105th career pole. He led for most of Q3 but was pipped at the end. The seven-time champion has not won a qualifying session for three years. He criticised the team's decision to send him out first in Q3, saying it cost him grip.

Je me sentais costaud mais pour une raison que j'ignore, nous somme sortis des stands en premier en Q3 et ce n'était pas un bon choix car Charles et moi n'avions pas d'adhérence. Nous étions les plus rapides des qualifications mais la pole nous a échappé.

Mercedes streak ends

Mercedes had taken pole in all 10 previous races this season (six for Kimi Antonelli, four for George Russell). The run came to an abrupt end at the Hungaroring. Antonelli qualified fourth and Russell seventh. Antonelli was unlucky; Max Verstappen spun in the final corner directly ahead of him while he was on a lap that was well up on the best times, preventing him from challenging for first.

French drivers

Isack Hadjar qualified eighth for Red Bull. Pierre Gasly took 12th for Alpine, and Esteban Ocon placed 15th for Haas, just ahead of teammate Oliver Bearman.