Ferrari dominated Friday practice at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc securing the top two times, while Mercedes struggled with track conditions and competition from Red Bull and McLaren.
Ferrari’s dominance at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix was undeniable on Friday, as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc claimed the top two spots in second practice, with Hamilton setting a 1m18.729s lap on soft tires. The Italian team’s performance contrasted sharply with Mercedes, which finished fifth and 13th, while McLaren and Red Bull showed competitive pace. The Hungaroring’s resurfaced sections and gusty winds added complexity, with drivers describing the track as “super bumpy” and strange to drive on.
Ferrari’s Strong Start, Mercedes’ Struggles
Ferrari’s grip on the Hungaroring was immediate, with Leclerc leading first practice and Hamilton securing a 0.4s advantage over his teammate. However, the true test came in second practice, where Hamilton’s 1m18.729s lap on soft tires put him 0.148s ahead of Leclerc.
Mercedes, meanwhile, faced significant hurdles. George Russell, the team’s fifth-fastest driver, described the track as “super bumpy” and strange to drive on,
citing the resurfaced sections and gusty winds. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who sat out first practice, struggled with a brake issue and was 13th on soft tires, compounded by a red flag caused by Franco Colapinto’s crash.
Track Conditions and Technical Challenges
The Hungaroring’s resurfaced sections and unpredictable wind conditions posed unique challenges. The track’s technical nature, with its tight corners and bumpy surface, favored teams with strong chassis setups, a domain where Ferrari appeared to excel.
McLaren’s Lando Norris emerged as a key challenger, finishing third in second practice. His performance was interrupted by a red flag caused by Colapinto’s crash, which also affected Antonelli’s soft-tire runs.
Ferrari’s Caution Amid Early Lead
Despite their strong showing, Ferrari remained cautious about their early advantage. Team principal Frederic Vasseur emphasized that it's not on Friday we are doing the pole,
while Leclerc acknowledged the need for continued improvement. The weekend is still long,
he said, adding that from the Friday to the Saturday we see teams making a jump of performance.
Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, who finished sixth quickest, echoed similar sentiments. The Austrian team’s struggles in Friday practice highlighted the Hungaroring’s demanding nature, where chassis balance and tire management were critical.
What Comes Next: Qualifying and the Race
The true test for Ferrari will come in qualifying, where their one-lap pace may face stiffer competition. Mercedes, despite its struggles, has shown resilience in past races, and Russell’s comments about work to do as a team
suggest the Silver Arrows are not ready to concede. McLaren’s strong showing, coupled with Red Bull’s potential for improvement, sets the stage for a tightly contested weekend.
As the teams prepare for Saturday’s third practice session, the focus will shift to refining setups for qualifying. The Hungaroring’s unique characteristics—its bumpy surface, technical layout, and unpredictable wind—ensure that no team can afford complacency. For Ferrari, the challenge will be maintaining their momentum while addressing the areas they identified for improvement.
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