Norris snatches Hungary pole from Hamilton by 12 thousandths, ending Mercedes' perfect 2026 qualifying streak

The final shootout

Lando Norris claimed his first pole position as world champion with a lap of 1:17.207 around the Hungaroring, crossing the line at 270 km/h. The margin over Lewis Hamilton, 0.012 seconds, translates to roughly 90 centimetres at that speed. Ferrari arrived in Budapest with high expectations after dominating Friday practice, but Norris and McLaren, boosted by five new aerodynamic components, emerged as the strongest package on Saturday.

I'm really happy to be on top again. It's been a tough weekend but we've been fast and our upgrades have helped. It's great to be on pole, especially at this circuit.

Hamilton's missed record

Hamilton, who holds the Hungaroring records for wins (eight) and pole positions (nine), was visibly frustrated after the session. He was the first driver out in Q3, a decision he believed cost him the top spot.

I think we did a great job all weekend and were solid in qualifying, but going out first in Q3 wasn't the right call. We were faster but it slipped away at the end.

The result marks the first time in 2026 that Mercedes has not locked out pole position. Hamilton also risked a possible penalty for impeding Oscar Piastri during the Australian's fast lap attempt.

The top ten grid

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from fourth place, just ahead of Piastri's McLaren. George Russell qualified seventh after his session ended early with a mechanical problem at the end of the main straight. Max Verstappen slotted into sixth despite an off-track excursion, with his Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar eighth. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) and Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) completed the top ten.

Alonso and Aston Martin break through

Fernando Alonso delivered the first tangible sign of progress for Aston Martin this season by reaching Q2 for the first time in 2026. The Spaniard will line up 16th on Sunday after falling at the second hurdle. Teammate Lance Stroll failed to escape Q1 and starts 20th. The team introduced aerodynamic upgrades in Budapest to address a disastrous opening half of the season, which has frequently left both drivers at the back or retiring.

Among the notable exits: Franco Colapinto (Alpine) and Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) went out in Q2, placing 13th and 14th respectively. Carlos Sainz managed only 18th with his Williams.

What Sunday holds

The Hungaroring is one of the shortest and slowest circuits on the calendar, and track position carries enormous weight on a layout where overtaking is notoriously difficult. Antonelli holds a 45-point lead over Hamilton in the standings entering the race. Ferrari and McLaren both arrive with renewed confidence, while Mercedes will need damage limitation from its split grid positions.