The Spanish Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is setting the pace for now. It is still unclear who is really how strong. One factor at the Hungaroring: the heat.
Max Verstappen finished second in the first free practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The three-time Formula 1 world champion in his Red Bull was only beaten by Carlos Sainz in his Ferrari during the one-hour session in the heat of Budapest. However, the Dutch Hungarian winner of the past two years was almost three tenths of a second slower than the Spaniard in first place.
Third place went to Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc from Monaco in asphalt temperatures of around 60 degrees on the Hungaroring, followed by Briton George Russell in the Mercedes in fourth place.
His teammate, record world champion Lewis Hamilton, finished tenth. The 39-year-old Briton had recently ended his winless streak since December 2021 with his 104th race win at his home race in Silverstone. Hamilton is the record winner at the Hungaroring with eight victories.
The only German regular driver, Nico Hülkenberg, sat out the opening practice session and his designated Haas successor Oliver Bearman was allowed to take the wheel.
Before the Hungarian Grand Prix this Sunday (3 p.m./Sky and RTL), Verstappen (255 points) is well ahead of Briton Lando Norris (171), who finished sixth in training with the McLaren.
Source: Stern
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