Charles Leclerc of Ferrari recorded the fastest time in Free Practice 1 for the Hungarian Grand Prix. He finished ahead of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc posted a time of 1m 19.075s, placing him half a second clear of Verstappen. However, his session ended with seven minutes remaining when his Ferrari stopped in the pit lane entry due to an issue.
The session saw many teams introduce upgrades in Budapest, with drivers immediately taking to the Hungaroring circuit. The event marks the 40th Hungarian Grand Prix. Five rookie drivers participated, including Fred Vesti in a Mercedes, while George Russell, a title rival, initially topped the times with a 1m 22.056s on medium Pirelli tyres.
Leclerc then set a 1m 20.884s as the track improved. Verstappen later moved to the top with a 1m 20.788s, despite issues with downshifts and being briefly blocked by Carlos Sainz‘s Williams. Leclerc, after being briefly blocked by Hamilton, set a new best time of 1m 20.287s. Hamilton moved into second, but reported his car’s ride was too stiff. Colton Herta, driving for Cadillac, and Alex Albon in a Williams both experienced lock-ups.
Mid-session developments and Aston Martin’s new package
Russell was the first to switch to soft tyres, setting a 1m 20.066s, which Verstappen quickly surpassed with a 1m 19.559s. Lando Norris, despite being fastest in the opening sector, ran wide at Turn 11. Leclerc then used the soft tyres to set his fastest time of 1m 19.075s. Russell also experienced a significant lock-up at Turn 1 and complained about his Mercedes’ ride.
The session was red-flagged with just over 20 minutes remaining when Lance Stroll‘s Aston Martin stopped at the exit of Turn 3 due to a left-rear suspension failure. The session resumed with 17 minutes left, allowing teams to continue qualifying simulations. Sainz also had a double-front lock-up at Turn 1.
Verstappen finished ahead of Hamilton, with Isack Hadjar securing a top-four spot for Red Bull. Russell, Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), Vesti, Nico Hulkenberg (Audi), and the two Racing Bulls drivers, Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, completed the top 10. Norris was P11, followed by Esteban Ocon (Haas), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), and Albon.
Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli drove for McLaren, testing a new rear wing. Ryo Hirakawa (Haas), Sergio Perez (Cadillac), Paul Aron (Alpine), Herta, Stroll, and Sainz completed the order.
Aston Martin’s upgrade and future plans
Aston Martin team boss Adrian Newey discussed the debut of the B-spec car. Stroll’s mechanical failure was not related to the upgrade, according to Newey, who stated the involved area had not been changed. The team is investigating the unexpected failure, noting a shortage of spares due to minor changes in cladding.
Newey also addressed concerns about returning Honda engine-related vibrations, which were visible on onboard cameras. He indicated that Honda is aware of the issue and is working on a solution. Alonso was advised to avoid kerbs to ensure accurate aero data acquisition, not due to an upgrade issue.
The upgrade package for Aston Martin is planned in phases. Hungary represents the first part, with a second phase scheduled for Zandvoort after the summer break, coinciding with Honda’s engine upgrade. A third phase of chassis upgrades is expected in September at either Monza or Baku. Newey described the provisional results as promising, acknowledging the team is in a “big catch-up game” but believes the upgrade represents a good step forward.
Alonso’s best time in FP1 placed him 3.123% off the pace. While Aston Martin’s best first sector was the slowest among all teams, their second and third sectors were seventh best. Newey expressed confidence in Alonso’s continued relationship with the team, highlighting the driver’s contributions in feedback and ability. The next practice session, FP2, is scheduled for later on Friday.
Source: formula1.com
