Norris Claims Hungarian GP Pole as Hamilton and Antonelli Receive Grid Penalties

Posted : 26 July 2026

Lando Norris secured his first pole position of the 2026 Formula 1 season after producing a superb final qualifying lap at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver posted a time of 1:17.207 to edge Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds in one of the closest qualifying battles of the year.

However, the grid order changed significantly after the FIA handed penalties to both Hamilton and Mercedes championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Hamilton received a three-place grid penalty after stewards ruled that he impeded Oscar Piastri during the final phase of qualifying. The seven-time world champion was judged to have remained on the racing line at reduced speed, forcing the McLaren driver to abandon his flying lap. Hamilton maintained that his team alerted him too late, but the stewards upheld the penalty.

Antonelli also dropped three places after failing to slow sufficiently under yellow flags caused by Max Verstappen's spin during qualifying. Telemetry showed the Mercedes driver did not reduce his speed enough in the affected sector, resulting in a penalty that reshuffled the starting order.

The penalties promoted Charles Leclerc to second on the grid, giving Ferrari a front-row start alongside Norris. Oscar Piastri moved up to third for McLaren, while reigning world champion Max Verstappen will start fourth for Red Bull. Hamilton now lines up fifth ahead of Mercedes' George Russell, with Antonelli beginning the race from seventh.

McLaren heads into Sunday's race with strong momentum after Norris also topped the final practice session. Ferrari had dominated Friday's running, with Leclerc setting the pace in the opening practice before Hamilton led a Ferrari one-two in the second session. Norris, however, found extra pace when it mattered most to deny Ferrari pole position and hand McLaren a significant boost heading into the 70-lap race.

The Hungarian Grand Prix is expected to be run in hot and dry conditions, with temperatures forecast to reach around 32 degrees Celsius. Tyre management is expected to play a decisive role around the tight Hungaroring circuit, where overtaking opportunities are limited and track position remains crucial.

With Norris leading the field and McLaren placing both cars inside the top three, the British team will be aiming to convert its qualifying pace into victory. Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes will also be confident of challenging at the front as the Formula 1 championship heads toward its summer break.

Norris Claims Hungarian GP Pole as Hamilton and Antonelli Receive Grid Penalties

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