Ferrari Dominates First Free Practice in Budapest
The weekend kicked off on a high note for Ferrari as Carlos Sainz clocked the fastest time in the first free practice session for the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix, finishing with an impressive lap of 1:18.713. This remarkable performance put him ahead of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who trailed by 0.276 seconds, and teammate Charles Leclerc, who was 0.298 seconds behind. Sainz's performance not only showcased Ferrari's potential but also set the stage for a thrilling competition in the upcoming qualifying rounds.
Competitive Edge in the Hungarian Grand Prix
Sainz's lap was a demonstration of speed, as he excelled in the first and second sectors before finishing third in a nearly flawless run. This achievement puts him in a strong position to challenge Leclerc for third place in the World Championship standings, currently just four points apart. Meanwhile, Lando Norris from McLaren, who finished sixth, is also in contention for the top spots, making the competition fierce as they head into the qualifying session.
Aston Martin Struggles with Car Improvements
In contrast to Ferrari's success, Aston Martin faced challenges as they tested their long-anticipated car improvements. Fernando Alonso, who previously secured eight podium finishes with the team, piloted a vehicle featuring a new halo for better airflow and a redesigned floor for enhanced performance. However, the changes did not yield noticeable results during the session. As the teams prepare for the qualifying round on Saturday, all eyes will be on whether Ferrari can maintain their momentum and if Aston Martin can find their footing.
- The free practice session saw no major incidents, aside from a brief virtual safety car deployment to clear debris from the track. The Mercedes team, represented by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, aimed to build on their recent successes but found themselves behind Sainz's blistering pace. The Hungarian GP continues with qualifying scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m., leading up to the race on Sunday at 10 a.m.
