Event: Hungarian F1 Grand Prix
Track: Hungaroring circuit
Weather: dry 26°C
Tarmac: dry 42°C
Humidity : 36%
Wind : 2 km/h W
Pressure: 987 mbar
Lewis Hamilton scored his 104th F1 pole position of his career, during the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session today. The Mercedes driver will start from P1 for the nineth time on the Hungaroring. It was the 138th pole for Mercedes.
Q1 Report
In a stunning turn of events during the Qualifying session for the 2023 Hungarian F1 Grand Prix, George Russell, last year's pole-sitter, found himself eliminated in Q1. The young British driver expressed his frustration over the team radio, attributing his early exit to heavy traffic in sector three. The American driver, Logan Sargeant, also faced troubles as he ran wide through the chicane, costing him crucial time.
As the clock ticked down in Q1, tensions rose in the Mercedes garage when replays showed Russell tangled in traffic during the final corner. Frustration was evident on his face, while Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff, expressed his displeasure by banging his desk. Interestingly, Mercedes opted for a late single flying lap on their second set of tires, deviating from the majority of the field that went for two runs.
The five drivers eliminated in Q1 were Alex Albon, Yuki Tsunoda, George Russell, Kevin Magnussen, and Logan Sargeant.
At the sharp end of the grid, Max Verstappen made an impressive improvement from seventh to second for Red Bull, while his teammate Sergio Perez momentarily took the top spot. However, it was Guanyu Zhou from Alfa Romeo who stole the show with a sensational lap, going fastest of all by two tenths.
As the final minute of Q1 approached, all eyes were on Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes. The team had sent their drivers out for just one flying lap, and Hamilton was battling to make it through to Q2. Despite a personal best first sector, he faced tough competition from other drivers fighting for a spot in the next session.
The intense competition and rapidly ramping track conditions meant that the order of the grid was far from settled. With just one second separating the entire field, the last driver to cross the line could have a significant advantage.
Throughout the session, Race Control was vigilant in monitoring track limits, resulting in several lap times being deleted. Drivers had to be cautious not to exceed the track boundaries to avoid penalties.
As the chequered flag waved to signal the end of Q1, the final standings confirmed the elimination of Albon, Tsunoda, Russell, Magnussen, and Sargeant. Meanwhile, Verstappen, Perez, and Zhou emerged as the standout performers of the session.
The drama and surprises of Q1 have set the stage for a highly competitive and thrilling Qualifying session at the 2023 Hungarian F1 Grand Prix. As the drivers prepare for Q2 and Q3, the battle for pole position remains wide open, promising an electrifying showdown for all F1 fans.
Q2 Report
As the tension mounted at the Hungaroring, the second part of the qualifying session (Q2) for the 2023 Hungarian F1 Grand Prix proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions. With only the top 10 drivers advancing to Q3, the battle for grid positions was intense, and some big names faced disappointment.
The session began with an unfortunate turn for Pierre Gasly from Alpine, as his lap time was deleted due to a violation. Gasly's qualifying hopes were dashed, and he joined his teammate Esteban Ocon on the sidelines, both eliminated from Q2.
Despite the double disappointment for Alpine, Fernando Alonso managed to squeeze through into the top 10, securing the 10th spot.
Valtteri Bottas, displaying strong pace, secured a spot in the top four, while Charles Leclerc impressively jumped back into the top 10, knocking out his own teammate.
Lewis Hamilton pushed his way up to second place, putting Carlos Sainz in P10 on the bubble. However, Daniel Ricciardo's improvement to P11 meant he missed the cut for Q3.
In the final minute of Q2, drivers were giving it their all, setting personal best sectors. Nico Hulkenberg managed to get his time up to P10, but Lance Stroll could only go 13th and was eliminated.
Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner, acknowledged the risks involved in tire strategy, stating that they preferred not to go out on a second tire but didn't want to risk being left out of Q3.
Max Verstappen set the fastest lap time but was met with disappointment when his time was deleted due to track limits violation at Turn 5. Verstappen, the current championship contender, faced a setback but remained determined.
Despite the setback, Verstappen managed to weave his way through traffic and set a blistering lap time to go top by a sizeable margin. The Dutch driver showed his competitive spirit, putting the disappointment of the deleted lap time behind him.
Sergio Perez, Verstappen's teammate, put in a strong performance, clocking a time that was already close to what secured pole position in the previous season. Stroll and Ocon followed behind, but it wasn't enough to secure them a place in the top 10.
As the clock ticked down, drivers were faced with crucial decisions on tire strategy. Nearly everyone pitted for fresh rubber, ready to make one last run to secure their spot in Q3.
The battle in Q2 has set the stage for an exciting Q3 and the race itself. With Verstappen eager to prove himself and Mercedes determined to close the gap, the Hungarian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Stay tuned for the final part of qualifying to see who will claim pole position and the chance to start from the front of the grid in this high-stakes race.
Q3 Report
In a nail-biting qualifying session at the Hungaroring, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes emerged triumphant, securing pole position for the 2023 Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix by a mere 0.003 seconds. The tension on the track was palpable as Hamilton's blistering lap time left fans and competitors in awe. The last time he clinched a pole position was 34 races ago in Jeddah back in 2021.
Hamilton's pole-winning lap came after an intense battle with his closest rival, Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Verstappen expressed his frustration, stating that he had been struggling to find a good balance throughout the weekend. Despite securing second place, the Dutch driver believed he could have been on pole position considering the potential of his car.
Lando Norris of McLaren, who was one of the standout performers of the day, qualified third but expressed disappointment at not being able to secure pole position. The young British driver believed that with a lap time within a tenth of pole, he could have clinched the top spot if he had put the perfect lap together.
The top 10 in the qualifying session were separated by an incredibly tight margin of 0.577 seconds. The competition was fierce, and drivers were pushing their cars to the limits to gain even the slightest advantage. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari put in a strong performance and secured the fourth position, while Sergio Perez of Red Bull had a disappointing qualifying session, ending up in ninth place.
As the clock ticked down, tensions reached a boiling point, and the anticipation among the crowd was palpable. Hamilton was the last driver to cross the line, and the stadium erupted in cheers as he snatched pole position by a whisker. The 0.003-second gap between Hamilton and Verstappen showcased the fierce competition between the two world champions.
With the grid so closely packed, tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable spectacle. Fans can expect a fierce battle for the lead as the top drivers fight for valuable championship points. The Hungaroring, known for its twisty and demanding nature, is sure to test the drivers' skills to the maximum.
The teams will now analyze their data and strategize for the race day, where tire management and strategy will play a crucial role in determining the winner.
The quickest sector times were:
- 27.782 sec. by Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 27.033 sec. by Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- 21.547 sec. by Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Last years pole position time was a 1:17.377 min, driven by George Russell with the Mercedes W13.
Qualifying Times 2023 Hungarian GP
| Pos | No | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Laps |
| 1 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:18.577 | 1:17.427 | 1:16.609 | 20 |
| 2 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:18.318 | 1:17.547 | 1:16.612 | 21 |
| 3 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:18.697 | 1:17.328 | 1:16.694 | 20 |
| 4 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:18.464 | 1:17.571 | 1:16.905 | 20 |
| 5 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Alfa Romeo | 1:18.143 | 1:17.700 | 1:16.971 | 22 |
| 6 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:18.440 | 1:17.580 | 1:16.992 | 21 |
| 7 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Alfa Romeo | 1:18.775 | 1:17.563 | 1:17.034 | 20 |
| 8 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:18.580 | 1:17.701 | 1:17.035 | 21 |
| 9 | 11 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | 1:18.360 | 1:17.675 | 1:17.045 | 23 |
| 10 | 27 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas | 1:18.695 | 1:17.652 | 1:17.186 | 20 |
| 11 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1:18.393 | 1:17.703 | 15 | |
| 12 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 1:18.854 | 1:17.841 | 16 | |
| 13 | 3 | Daniel Ricciardo | AlphaTauri | 1:18.906 | 1:18.002 | 15 | |
| 14 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:18.782 | 1:18.144 | 18 | |
| 15 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:18.743 | 1:18.217 | 16 | |
| 16 | 23 | Alex Albon | Williams | 1:18.917 | 8 | ||
| 17 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri | 1:18.919 | 9 | ||
| 18 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:19.027 | 9 | ||
| 19 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 1:19.206 | 8 | ||
| 20 | 2 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | 1:19.248 | 8 |
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Dear Bod,
My contract requirements have now changed I am again the most unbearable driver on the grid and making you millions of $$ you cant do anything but submit to my demands, what i now require is $75M a year x 5 and a rest of life contract as Mbs sole ambassador, I am, to put it blunt the best there is, how could you ever doubt me, I represent society like no other person could, everyone is in awe of me.
Please sign and return the attached contract
Yours
The Goat, The Dame, The Best person ever
Shrop', I do believe that you have seen the light.....or found the liquor cupboard.
Race wish: HAM & VER get tangled up racing one another and Lamo gets the flag. I got some papaya from the market and will be drinking spiked smoothies for breakfast.
Yes Ror that's what I was hoping for & as for sir Lulus start,, what can I say would pathetic be to strong a word,. 😜
Dear Lewis,
Having had tome to review your performance today, the Bod feel we are unable to offer you a contract with Mb for 2024
We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your years of service with the company and we wish you well for the future.
See ya.
My wishes would come true if this happened. Lewis had his day. For many years, he enjoyed success. However, time has taken a toll . He started to believe his own press. Lost perspective. If racism was a factor in F1, he wouldn’t be where is today. It wouldn’t be in a very select group, in any ethnis group, of highly paid performers. He has only himself to blame when he started to lose his edge and started whining and blaming. Starting to show us true colors.
If ever you learn what racism is...please inform me.
Your lack of understanding is your own...
Please, I’m ready to eat dinner.
Unfortunately, Sky is the only option we have Down Under to view F1. Sky have invented a sector called "F1 Juniors", which is not to my interests, especially when one coffee coloured lad interviews Louise and says to Louise that when he goes karting kids from diverse backgrounds are given the feeling they are being held back because it is a while man's sport.
Talk about playing the race card! I almost threw up on the spot! I wonder if Louise wrote the script for the young lad. We don't need this sort of crap being broadcast by children on behalf of Sky. It gives the complete wrong impression.
This is the type of garbage that promotes discrimination with it's insinuations. In my opinion, if you are good enough and you can make it happen then the colour of your skin should not be an impediment to your skills. If Sky continue to broadcast this type of crap then I will cancel my subscription with them.
"...kids from diverse backgrounds are given the feeling they are being held back because it is a while man's sport."
I gave the kids only half an ear. Did the network actually air that comment?
They certainly did air that comment, and it remains on their network! It was part of the post-qualifying interviews. I was shocked they would allow those comments to go to air unedited. I mean, if anything will promote discrimination, those comments will.
I missed that part, but i said it the other day , Sky are in bed with Louise with Mission44 , they fund it, so what with Lucy now being a film director , who dyo think wrote the script......, if that lad said that , its crap, what hes basically saying is f1 is Racist, its talent that wins through or do we think Ron only signed Lala because she was black?
Lorraine's doing more harm than good always insinuating its the colour of the skin.
I think he would have been more accurate if he had said it’s a rich mans sport and money talks in many ways.
SPOT ON!!! ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!! You wanna' talk about economic inequity, have at it. Question.....is the US NBA a back man's sport. Enough politics and race. (nice segue) Let's go racing. I'm half gassed on papaya smoothies, give em' hell Lamo.
With that kind of logic ...it's sad to think of you an operational thought process. You know what we mean jellie meanie meaning. Sorry not educational enough ...immigrant ignorant and all! Nice to see you all need a club of superiority to support your own lack of self esteem. It's not for me to judge eh! Who would judge me capable. You disrespt yourselves humanity and most blasphemous of all F1. There was a time when everyone cheered for their teams resoundingly then at the end of competition cheered all drivers and teams and F1 respectfully and then sit have dinner and beer with each other and split the bill too. Guess the world has changed...evolved...eh...
Shame on Sky. What did they hope to achieve with these kind of interviews? Reality is, this is an extremely expensive endeavor for any “race”, from karting to F1. Lewis fingerprints are all over this. If these kids parents have money and are willing to sacrifice everything and the kid has real talent, they will have a shot at it. Their are only limitations will be competing with so many others with equal or better talents. That is just a reality.. It is true in every sport around the world. There are so few spots to fill and so many vying for them. Race has nothing to do with it. Lewis has become a divisive personality in F1. If he feels people are against him because of race, he is totally wrong, it is because of his arrogance and race baiting.
The mute button has been my savior when dealing with that particular kid’s constant chatter. While I acknowledge his admiration for Lewis, it raises concerns about his genuine appreciation for the person versus an underlying bias. It’s unfortunate that some individuals are quick to change their views based on race rather than on talent and character.
Russell may have suffered from traffic in flying lap preparation (partly his fault for not doing anything differently), but still, a surprise Q1 elimination. Sainz & Alpine duo were surprising Q2 eliminations.
I didn't expect a pole for Lewis, though, & by some three thousandths.
Max will win under normal circumstances, probably taking P1 into T1 or when DRS becomes activatable at the latest.
Mclaren duo & Zhou also did well, while Checo finally reached Q3 in a normal qualifying, although only 9th in the end.
Finally, Danny Ric immediately out-qualified Yuki despite the latter's considerable car familiarity advantage.
Very impressed with Oscar Piastri's performance. He is certainly keeping Lando honest! Definitely he is a star of the future.
Next Australian World Champion 🏆
Great to see other teams closing the gap on RB and giving us the prospect of competitive racing. Surprising that RB have lost such a big advantage so quickly, it took MB years.
I wouldn’t consider 3 thousandsth of a second losing their edge. Even the “Great One” had off days. When MV was wiping the floor with the competition, people were complaining how boring the races were becoming, including Louise.