Lando Norris secured his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, edging out Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in a closely fought qualifying session. The McLaren driver expressed surprise at his achievement, especially given the strong pace shown by the Ferrari drivers throughout the weekend.
Earlier on the same day, Norris had set the fastest time in the final practice session, signaling McLaren’s improved competitiveness thanks in part to their recent upgrade package. In qualifying, Hamilton initially led the final phase (Q3), but was unable to improve on his second run. Norris capitalised on this, claiming pole by a narrow margin of 0.012 seconds.
Despite describing his Q3 laps as “not the best,” Norris maintained confidence throughout the session. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Ferrari’s race pace and tyre strategy, noting that both Hamilton and Leclerc started Q1 on medium tyres, which could influence their approach during the race.
Norris credited the McLaren team for their hard work and preparation, highlighting the role of the upgrade package in enhancing the car’s performance. This pole position marks a significant moment for both Norris and McLaren, as it is their first of the season. However, Norris remains realistic about the race ahead, expecting a tough battle given Ferrari’s demonstrated pace.
The qualifying session underlined the competitiveness of the top teams, with McLaren showing signs of progress alongside Ferrari. Norris’s performance was a reminder of the fine margins that often decide grid positions in Formula 1®, especially at a technical circuit like the Hungaroring.
Looking ahead, Norris and McLaren will focus on race day strategy and consistency to convert this strong qualifying result into a solid race performance. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s tyre choices and race pace will be key factors to monitor as the Grand Prix unfolds.
