Lando Norris showcased his impressive skills by claiming the top spot in both practice sessions at the Hungarian Grand Prix, edging out his championship rival, Oscar Piastri, in a display of speed and confidence. Heading into the race, Norris finds himself trailing McLaren teammate Piastri by 16 points, making his performance crucial as the teams prepare for the final race before the summer break.
During the first practice session, Norris set an early benchmark by finishing just 0.019 seconds ahead of Piastri. He further solidified his advantage in the second session, increasing the gap to 0.291 seconds. This strong showing comes as a much-needed boost for Norris, especially after a challenging race at the rain-affected Belgian Grand Prix, where Piastri took the lead right from the start and claimed victory.
Norris, who has never been out-qualified by teammates at the Hungaroring, expressed his fondness for the circuit, which appeared to suit his driving style well. Despite a scare when he ran wide at the final turn, he swiftly regained control of his McLaren and avoided any mishaps.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured third place, finishing four tenths behind Norris, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton found himself struggling in comparison, sitting fourth overall, three-tenths adrift of Leclerc. Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with his car’s performance, highlighting difficulties that contributed to his lower placement during the sessions.
In a noteworthy development, Max Verstappen, who had previously been the subject of speculation regarding his future at Red Bull, reaffirmed his commitment to the team for at least another season. However, his practice run left much to be desired, as he finished in a disappointing 14th place, struggling with car control.
The session was not without its drama, as Verstappen received a warning from the stewards for throwing a towel out of his car during practice, a decision that highlighted concerns over safety on the track.
This weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix could prove pivotal for Norris and Piastri as they vie for crucial championship points before heading into the summer break. The rivalry between the two teammates adds an exciting layer to the unfolding narrative of the season.