Lando Norris Takes Hungarian GP Pole from Hamilton, First Non-Mercedes Driver to Do So

Key Takeaways

• Lando Norris secured the pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds.
• This marks the first time a non-Mercedes driver has taken pole in 2026.
• Norris’ McLaren team brought upgrades to his car, including a new rear wing and improved traction.
• Hamilton was hit with a three-place grid penalty post-qualifying.
• The Ferraris will start the Grand Prix on an alternative strategy, having elected to run mediums in Q1.

How Did Norris Secure the Pole?

Lando Norris secured the pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds. Norris’ McLaren team brought upgrades to his car, including a new rear wing and improved traction, which seemed to pay off.

Norris was among only two of the contenders to improve their time in their second Q3 attempt, with the other being Kimi Antonelli.

Norris will share the front row with Hamilton, who held provisional pole with his first Q1 lap but couldn’t improve on it on the final qualifying run.

What Does This Mean for the Championship?

This marks the first time a non-Mercedes driver has taken pole in 2026, and it could be a significant turning point in the championship.

The Ferraris have been in the spotlight behind Mercedes all year, but this pole shows Norris and McLaren clawing back into the picture ahead of the F1 summer break.

However, Norris knows that this is just one part of what needs to be a huge weekend for the Papaya team.

How Will the Ferraris’ Alternative Strategy Play Out?

The Ferraris will start the Grand Prix on an alternative strategy, having elected to run mediums in Q1.

This means they will have more soft tires available for the race, but they will also have to manage their tire wear carefully.

Norris is aware of the challenge posed by the Ferraris and is expecting a tough race.

What Happened to Hamilton?

Lewis Hamilton was hit with a three-place grid penalty post-qualifying, which will see him start from fourth place.

Hamilton’s Saturday went from a disappointment to a disaster, and he will have to work hard to make up for lost ground in the race.

How Will the Rest of the Grid Line Up?

The rest of the grid will see Charles Leclerc start third, with Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli starting fifth and sixth respectively.

Max Verstappen will start seventh, with George Russell starting eighth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who took pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix?

Lando Norris took pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, beating Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds.

Q: What upgrades did McLaren bring to Norris’ car?

McLaren brought a new rear wing and improved traction to Norris’ car.

Q: What strategy will the Ferraris use for the Grand Prix?

The Ferraris will start the Grand Prix on an alternative strategy, having elected to run mediums in Q1.