The anticipation for the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring is reaching fever pitch, especially after a qualifying session packed with surprises and upsets. Charles Leclerc secured his 27th career pole position for Ferrari, capitalizing on chaotic weather and a shifting pecking order to lead the starting grid on Sunday.

Leclerc's Masterclass Amid Changeable Conditions

The qualifying session was anything but straightforward, with rain and gusty winds playing havoc with grip and strategy. As temperatures dropped in Q3, it was Leclerc who adapted best, snatching pole in the dying moments and stunning the McLaren duo.

• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 27th career pole
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Front row start
• Lando Norris (McLaren) – P3 on the grid

Front Row Shuffle: McLaren Chasing Shadows

McLaren entered the weekend as favorites, but struggled in the crucial final minutes of qualifying. Oscar Piastri salvaged a front row start, while Lando Norris will line up third. Their pace in earlier sessions was promising, but the rapidly evolving track conditions caught them off guard.

Surprises and Disappointments: Aston Martin and Hamilton's Struggles

Aston Martin emerged as the dark horse, showing surprising speed despite Fernando Alonso managing a back injury. Conversely, it was another tough day for Lewis Hamilton, Yuki Tsunoda, and rookie Kimi Antonelli, all failing to reach Q3 when they desperately needed a morale boost. This shakeup could set the stage for bold strategies and aggressive racing come Sunday.

Hungarian GP 2025 Provisional Starting Grid – Top 10

1. Charles Leclerc | Ferrari
2. Oscar Piastri | McLaren
3. Lando Norris | McLaren
4. George Russell | Mercedes
5. Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin
6. Lance Stroll | Aston Martin
7. Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber
8. Max Verstappen | Red Bull
9. Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls
10. Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls
11. Oliver Bearman | Haas
12. Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari
13. Carlos Sainz | Williams
14. Franco Colapinto | Alpine
15. Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes
16. Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull
17. Pierre Gasly | Alpine
18. Esteban Ocon | Haas
19. Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber
20. Alex Albon | Williams

Key Talking Points Ahead of the Race

• Weather Factor: Will unpredictable weather shake up the race just as it did in qualifying?
• Ferrari's Strategy: Can Leclerc convert pole into a crucial win for the Scuderia?
• McLaren's Recovery: Can Norris and Piastri challenge Leclerc off the line?
• Aston Martin's Upswing: Is their qualifying pace a sign of a race-day surge?