2026 F1 Round 11, Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying: Norris Denies Hamilton by 0.012 Seconds to Claim His First Grand Prix Pole of the Season

Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Round 11 of the 2026 F1 season, took place at the Hungaroring on the evening of July 25, China Standard Time (UTC+8). Lando Norris (McLaren) claimed his first Grand Prix pole of the season, just 0.012 seconds ahead of second-placed Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari). Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) was third.

Norris topped both Q1 and Q2 before extracting the pace of the upgraded MCL40 in Q3 while keeping oversteer at the final corner under control. Hamilton took provisional pole on his first Q3 attempt but could not improve on his personal best on his final run.

Mercedes, unbeaten in Grand Prix qualifying this season, missed out on pole for the first time: Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished fourth, 0.272 seconds off the pace, while George Russell was seventh, 0.553 seconds behind.

After completing his final lap, Russell immediately stopped at Turn 1 and climbed out of the cockpit on his team’s instructions. Some form of technical problem was suspected.

At Aston Martin-Honda, Fernando Alonso reached Q2 for the first time this season and secured a season-best 16th place. Lance Stroll made a mistake on his final attempt and ended qualifying in 20th.

Norris takes pole by 0.012 seconds on his final lap

Norris showed consistent pace from Q1, topping the opening segment. He went fastest again in Q2, progressing to Q3 while remaining firmly in the pole-position fight.

On his first Q3 attempt, however, he suffered severe oversteer at the final corner. Hamilton seized the opportunity to move into provisional pole, closing in on a record-extending 10th pole position at the Hungaroring.

But Hamilton could not improve his time on his final attempt. He also faced a stewards’ investigation after the segment for allegedly impeding Oscar Piastri (McLaren) at Turn 1.

Norris improved to 1m17.207s on his final lap to snatch pole by 0.012 seconds. Teammate Piastri finished fifth and was unable to join Norris on the front row.

Red Bull slides cost time as the midfield stays close

Late in Q3, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) slid at the final corner, briefly bringing out yellow flags. He avoided contact with the barriers but lost his chance to improve his time and finished sixth.

His teammate Isack Hadjar slid on his first Q2 attempt, briefly bringing out yellow flags. He subsequently reached Q3 and finished eighth in qualifying.

Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) was the highest-placed midfield driver in ninth. Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) rounded out the top 10.

Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) was eliminated in Q2 in 11th. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) also slipped to 14th.

The two Alpines were next to each other in the order, with Pierre Gasly 12th and Franco Colapinto 13th.

Alonso reaches Q2 for the first time this season

With Aston Martin-Honda bringing upgrades, Alonso edged out Oliver Bearman (Haas) by 0.107 seconds to reach Q2 for the first time this season.

Although he finished 0.074 seconds behind Esteban Ocon in Q2 and was eliminated in 16th, he secured both his own and the team’s best qualifying result of the season.

Stroll, meanwhile, made a mistake at Turn 12 on his final attempt and was eliminated in Q1 in 20th, 0.533 seconds behind Alonso.

As Aston Martin moved forward, the two Cadillacs were relegated to the back row: Valtteri Bottas was 21st and Sergio Pérez 22nd.

The two Williams cars also slipped towards the back: Carlos Sainz was 18th and Alexander Albon 19th.

The race will take place on the evening of July 26, China Standard Time (UTC+8), with the drivers battling for victory over 70 laps of the 4,381-metre Hungaroring.