BUDAPEST — Formula 1 action returned to the Hungaroring on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as McLaren’s Lando Norris set the pace in the final free practice session (FP3) ahead of the crucial qualifying hour for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix www.bbc.co.uk .

The watershed session saw the British driver extract maximum performance from his machinery, fending off a late charge from Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli www.skysports.com . The tight and twisty nature of the Hungaroring circuit once again proved to be a stern test of mechanical grip and aerodynamic efficiency, with teams deploying specific low-drag packages for the event.

Hamilton, seeking a record-extending ninth victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, demonstrated that the Scuderia remains a formidable threat sports.yahoo.com . The seven-time world champion was consistently within a few tenths of Norris throughout the 60-minute session, showcasing impressive race pace on the medium compound tyres.

Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli continued his impressive rookie campaign, securing third place in the final practice standings. The young Italian driver has rapidly adapted to the demands of Formula 1, and his performance in Budapest suggests Mercedes has found a competitive baseline for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The afternoon qualifying session, scheduled for 4:00 PM CEST, will be the ultimate decider for Sunday’s grid www.motorsport.com . With track temperatures expected to rise, tyre management and single-lap precision will be paramount.

As the final race before the traditional summer break, the stakes in Budapest are incredibly high. Teams are not only fighting for crucial championship points but also seeking to carry positive momentum into the August hiatus. The Hungarian Grand Prix has a rich history of producing iconic moments, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be no different www.facebook.com .