Lando Norris set the fastest time in the final practice session (FP3) ahead of the 2026 Formula 1® Hungarian Grand Prix, edging out Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Norris clocked a best lap of 1m17.939s on the twisty Hungaroring circuit, with Hamilton and Antonelli close behind by just over a tenth of a second.
The session started quietly as drivers conserved their efforts, with most of the fastest laps coming towards the end when track conditions improved. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was the first to break the 1m20s barrier on soft tires, signaling the increasing pace as the session progressed.
Despite a generally smooth session, a red flag was triggered after Sergio Perez experienced a brake-related mechanical failure in his Cadillac. Meanwhile, Antonelli reported possible floor damage following a rough passage over the kerbs but still managed to improve his lap time. Charles Leclerc and George Russell also posted competitive times, though they remained just behind the top three.
Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar faced difficulties with car handling on the bumpy surface of the Hungaroring, which affected their pace during the session. Audi showed strong midfield form, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto both finishing inside the top 10. Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls missed most of the session due to a power unit change, limiting his running time.
The close times among the top drivers suggest that qualifying will be tightly contested, with McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all showing competitive pace. The final practice session provided valuable data for teams as they prepared for qualifying later in the weekend.
These developments highlight the fine margins at play on the challenging Hungaroring layout, where track conditions and car setup can significantly influence lap times. The session underlined the importance of timing and precision in extracting performance during the final moments of practice.
Overall, the FP3 results offer a snapshot of the competitive balance among several teams heading into qualifying, with Norris’s late lap setting a benchmark that others will aim to surpass. The session also reflected ongoing challenges for some teams adapting to the circuit’s surface and conditions.
