Mercedes and Ferrari (Sainz, Jr.) split the front row as Red Bull was non-competitive on the day (power issues).
BUDAPEST, Hungary—George Russell could remember the day he stood at Silverstone and waited patiently for Lewis Hamilton to sign his autograph book, never believing that over a decade later–and, especially, on this Saturday afternoon at the Hungaroring–he would race alongside the seven-time world champion and take pole for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Russell did just that, setting a time of 1:17:377, ahead of the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc.
It is Mercedes’s first pole of the season, which came in handy right at the last second of qualifying when it seemed Ferrari would take the front row. It was also an added benefit when Red Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen had a horrible day, with Perez placing 11th and Verstappen 10th, following losing power late in the session.
“Over the moon, (I am) absolutely buzzing,” said an enthusiastic Russell afterward. “Yesterday was probably our worst Friday of the season, and everyone was working so hard last night. We didn’t know in what direction to go. But that last lap, I got round Turn One, then Two, and the lap times kept coming. I came across the line and looked at the screen and saw “P1,” and it was an incredible feeling.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris had a brilliant day finishing fourth, with his teammate Daniel Ricciardo ninth. Alpine kept their battle with their rivals by having Esteban Ocon fifth and Fernando Alonso finishing in sixth. Lewis Hamilton ended up seventh in his Mercedes, and Valtteri Bottas took eighth in the Alfa Romeo.
Despite his maiden pole, Russell realizes that the two opposing Ferraris are stronger on this circuit. “The Ferraris looked very fast on Friday, but we are going to be absolutely going for it (tomorrow). But either way, that was a pretty special day, no doubt.”
ESPN will have the race live on Sunday starting at 9a U.S. Eastern.
