Wire flash
Norris tops Hungarian GP final practice with upgraded McLaren, 0.117s ahead of Hamilton
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
Lando Norris set the fastest time in final practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix, giving McLaren hope for their first pole position of the 2026 season with their upgraded car. Norris posted a 1:17.939 lap, outpacing Friday pacesetter Lewis Hamilton by 0.117 seconds and Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 0.129 seconds. Ferrari, which dominated Friday practice, remained competitive but was overtaken by McLaren in the final session. George Russell struggled, finishing sixth, 0.6 seconds off Norris's pace. The session also saw Sergio Perez stop on track. Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday at 3pm local time, with the race on Sunday at 2pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Source report
Lando Norris gave McLaren hope of challenging for their first Grand Prix pole position of the season in their upgraded car at the Hungarian Grand Prix, impressively outpacing Friday pacesetter Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' title-leading Kimi Antonelli in final practice.
Ferrari had appeared the big favourites for Saturday's qualifying fight after dominating the opening day's practice. However, while they remained right in the mix at the front, they were usurped in the final hour of practice running by the reigning world champions.
Norris was second to Hamilton after his first lap on soft tyres at the end of the session, but the McLaren driver found more speed on his second lap and uncorked a 1:17.939 to pip his Ferrari rival to the top of the timesheet by 0.117 seconds.
After an unusually difficult Friday, Antonelli was back in the mix at the front and finished third fastest, 0.129s behind Norris.
Team-mate George Russell continued to struggle and wound up only sixth, 0.6s slower than Norris' impressive pace.
More to follow…
Related Links
- Hungarian GP: UK schedule and how to watch on Sky Sports
- F1 2026 standings | F1 2026 Calendar | F1 Gossip Column
- Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW
Sky Sports F1's Hungarian GP Schedule
Saturday July 25
- 1:10pm: F2 Sprint*
- 2:15pm: Hungarian GP Qualifying build-up*
- 3:00pm: HUNGARIAN GP QUALIFYING*
- 5:00pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday July 26
- 7:35am: F3 Feature Race
- 9:05am: Porsche Supercup
- 10:20am: F2 Feature Race
- 12:30pm: Hungarian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 2:00pm: THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX*
- 4:00pm: Hungarian GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
- 5:00pm: Ted's Notebook*
Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Sunday's race starts at 2pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW — no contract, cancel anytime.
Sign up for Sky Sports push notifications
Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch every minute of the end of season
Source
SkySports | NewsWestern
Part of this Story
Norris Claims Hungarian GP Pole; Hamilton Penalized After Qualifying