Charles Leclerc Stuns McLaren to Take Pole for Ferrari at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc pulled off a sensational last-lap shock in Hungary, snatching pole position for Ferrari in one of the closest qualifying sessions in recent Formula 1 history.

In a season dominated by McLaren, few expected the red car to steal the spotlight. But Leclerc delivered an electrifying lap when it mattered most, edging out both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris — two drivers firmly in the title fight — as well as George Russell in the Mercedes.

Just 0.053 seconds separated the top four drivers, highlighting the intensity of the battle for pole. Leclerc’s final time of 1:15.372 was enough to put him at the front of the grid for Sunday’s race in Budapest, and it marks a major statement from Ferrari as the second half of the season heats up.

Hungarian Grand Prix – Qualifying Results (Top 10)

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:15.372
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.026
3. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.041
4. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.053
5. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +0.109
6. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +0.126
7. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +0.353
8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.356
9. Liam Lawson (RB) +0.449
10. Isack Hadjar (RB) +0.543