Lando Norris swept both of Friday’s practice sessions as F1 returned to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday.
Norris, who is 16 points behind teammate Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ standings, started quicker at the Hungaroring as the Briton set the fastest time in the opening session before finishing FP2 with another fastest time of 1:15.624s, just 0.291s ahead of his Australian teammate.
And it seems like that pair will once again battle for the victory this weekend as they did at the Belgian Grand Prix last time out, with Piastri also having won here last year in what was a controversial maiden victory.
Charles Leclerc secured third place behind the McLaren duo and it was a successful day for Aston Martin too, with Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso recording there fourth and fifth-fastest times after the Spaniard had sat out the first practice through injury.
And now the drivers head into Saturday’s final practice and qualifying session with a renewed experience of Hungary’s tight, twisty circuit, with Piastri hoping to claw back some time as the McLaren duo re-ignite their title battle.
Follow live coverage of the Hungarian Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Round 14 of the 2025 F1 season takes place in Hungary
- FP3 is at 11:30am (BST); qualifying is at 3pm
- Lando Norris sets fastest time in both practice sessions on Friday
- COMMENT: How Lewis Hamilton is trying to revive Ferrari
- Max Verstappen commits future to Red Bull for 2026 F1 season
Yuki Tsunoda fastest out there!
11:48 , Kieran JacksonOnly 5 cars have set times so far in this session, with the Red Bull of Tsunoda quickest ahead of Stroll and Colapinto.
The vast majority of drivers yet to leave the pit-lane still, as they just bide their time in this session...
45:00 left in FP3....
FP3 underway!
11:32 , Kieran JacksonNo cars straight out on track as we get underway with the third and final hour of practice in the Hungarian capital!
FP3 coming up!
11:28 , Kieran JacksonThird and final practice is about to get underway at the Hungaroring!
Can anyone keep up with McLaren - and Lando Norris - after he was quickest in both practice sessions on Friday?!
Won’t matter once we’re all dead – Lando Norris plays down F1 title battle
11:22 , Chris WilsonLando Norris said it does not matter if he fails to beat Oscar Piastri to the world championship because “in 200 years we will all be dead”.
Norris arrives for the concluding round before Formula One’s three-week summer shutdown 16 points behind McLaren team-mate Piastri in the standings.
The title momentum swung back in Piastri’s favour at last weekend’s rain-hit round in Belgium. Norris started on pole position but allowed Piastri to swoop past in the treacherous conditions.
Won’t matter once we’re all dead – Lando Norris plays down F1 title battle
Lewis Hamilton thinks about podium drought 'every day'
11:19 , Jack RathbornLewis Hamilton admits he thinks about the longest run of his career without a grand prix podium, currently at 15 races, “every day”.
Hamilton joked that the poor run does not bother, initially stating "no", but then admitted the lack of success aggravates him.
"Of course it does," he added. "I think about it every day."
F1’s return to Hungary serves as reminder of McLaren quarrel on the horizon
11:15 , Jack RathbornThe Hungaroring, Budapest. Twelve months ago, as it became apparent that McLaren’s 2024 mid-season renaissance was more than just a temporary spike on the performance graph, this is where the first banging of heads occurred between the papaya drivers out on track. Two drivers desperate for victory, which made a quarrel, with neither defined as team No 1, quite the inevitability.
Eventually, Oscar Piastri claimed his first F1 race victory and almost looked embarrassed to celebrate. It only came after Lando Norris reluctantly conceded the lead, as his engineer Will Joseph pleaded with the Brit to follow team orders.
F1’s return to Hungary serves as reminder of McLaren quarrel on the horizon
Aston Martin issue new Fernando Alonso update after ‘injury’
11:08 , Jack Rathborn“Fernando Alonso chose to sit out the opening practice session to limit his time in the car as he manages a muscular injury in his back.
“Having undergone further treatment this morning and medically cleared by the FIA, Fernando will be back in the AMR25 alongside Lance Stroll.
“Felipe Drugovich delivered a busy FP1 programme with Lance, collecting important data as the team continues to evaluate recent car updates.”
Max Verstappen commits future to Red Bull for 2026 F1 season
10:59 , Jack Rathborn“I'm discussing with the team already the plans, the things that we want to change for next year, so that means that I'm also staying with the team for next year,” Verstappen said on Thursday.
"The thing is always that people are waffling so much throughout the whole season, while the only one that actually can or should speak is not speaking. That's me.
"And I do that on purpose because it makes no sense to start throwing things around, and actually that should be the same for everyone.
"Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama. But, for me, it's always been quite clear, and also for next year.”
Turkey joins host of countries eyeing F1 race – and could step-in as soon as 2026
10:36 , Jack RathbornTurkey is looking to claim a permanent spot back on the F1 calendar and has offered the services of Istanbul Park for 2026 should any country be unable to host their race.
The Turkish Grand Prix first appeared on the sport’s calendar in 2005 for seven iterations, before it was dropped in 2011. However, the race at the popular Istanbul circuit returned in the Covid-hit years of 2020 and 2021.
However, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) have made it known their desire to host a race again. While the 24-race 2026 calendar has already been published, Istanbul could step in if any race – such as the new street track in Madrid, with the race scheduled in September 2026 – is not ready in time.
“As is known, the 2026 calendar has already been announced,” TOSFED president Eren Uclertopragi told Autosport. “Nevertheless, in the event that a race cannot be held for various reasons, we could host the Turkish Grand Prix.”
George Russell on Mercedes contract talks
07:00 , Jack Rathborn“They ultimately hold the cards because of the situation we find ourselves in with the sort of management agreement,” Russell said.
“So they’ve had no rush to sign Kimi or I, because we’ve got sort of this longer term overriding deal in place.
“But you know, truth is, I’ve never feared losing my seat, and that’s not even been on the table once this year, even though, of course, you guys like to make a big deal out of it.
“Maybe 12 months ago, I was a bit more anxious and wanting to get something sorted or confirmed for ’26. Maybe six months ago, I felt the same. But now, I’m performing better than ever. I still feel I’ve got more to give.
“I’ve waited so long, and I think now I want to get through this weekend. I want to go on a holiday next week and enjoy the break. And there is no time pressure my side. There is no time pressure from the team’s side. So whenever we come to an agreement, we’ll get it done. But it’s got to be right both ways.”
Charles Leclerc offers take on future Ferrari role after Lewis Hamilton provides team ‘documents’
06:00 , Jack RathbornCharles Leclerc has rejected suggestions he could be frozen out by Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton pushes for big improvements next year by delivering “documents” to the team to inform them on where to improve next season.
“I’m not creating documents on my side, but I’m definitely having meetings whenever I’m back in Maranello with the team in order to know what is the next thing we want to tackle as a team,” Leclerc said.
“But this has always been [the case], I think. Every single driver has their way of feeding back the team from what they think is right.
“I have my way, which is a different way compared to Lewis, but that doesn’t mean I’m left out and I’m definitely involved in the process.”
Lewis Hamilton says 'there will be tears' during F1 summer break
05:00 , Jack Rathborn"The last god knows how many seasons have been hard in their own way. This one has definitely been the most intense one, I would say, just from a work perspective,” Hamilton said.
"Integrating into a new culture and into a new team. It's not gone smoothly in all areas, and it's been a real battle.
"I definitely need to get away and recharge, be around the kids, laugh, let go. I'm sure there'll be some tears at some point and I think that's really healthy."
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko on chance meeting with Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli
04:00 , Jack Rathborn“I don’t want to make any outside comments on how things work for any other team. Antonelli is certainly very fast, but also a very young driver,” Helmut Marko said.
“Strangely enough, we spoke briefly in the hotel at Spa, and he said that he has no confidence in the car. As soon as he pushes, he no longer has control.
“It’s more of a mental thing, and it seems that [with] his car, like ours, it’s very critical to be in the working window. When it does work, it’s much more potent, and of course a driver like Russell does it much more easily. Mercedes, thank goodness, don’t have the luxury of a second team.”
George Russell on Mercedes contract talks
Friday 1 August 2025 21:00 , Jack Rathborn“They ultimately hold the cards because of the situation we find ourselves in with the sort of management agreement,” Russell said.
“So they’ve had no rush to sign Kimi or I, because we’ve got sort of this longer term overriding deal in place.
“But you know, truth is, I’ve never feared losing my seat, and that’s not even been on the table once this year, even though, of course, you guys like to make a big deal out of it.
“Maybe 12 months ago, I was a bit more anxious and wanting to get something sorted or confirmed for ’26. Maybe six months ago, I felt the same. But now, I’m performing better than ever. I still feel I’ve got more to give.
“I’ve waited so long, and I think now I want to get through this weekend. I want to go on a holiday next week and enjoy the break. And there is no time pressure my side. There is no time pressure from the team’s side. So whenever we come to an agreement, we’ll get it done. But it’s got to be right both ways.”
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko on chance meeting with Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli
Friday 1 August 2025 20:00 , Jack Rathborn“I don’t want to make any outside comments on how things work for any other team. Antonelli is certainly very fast, but also a very young driver,” Helmut Marko said.
“Strangely enough, we spoke briefly in the hotel at Spa, and he said that he has no confidence in the car. As soon as he pushes, he no longer has control.
“It’s more of a mental thing, and it seems that [with] his car, like ours, it’s very critical to be in the working window. When it does work, it’s much more potent, and of course a driver like Russell does it much more easily. Mercedes, thank goodness, don’t have the luxury of a second team.”
Lewis Hamilton thinks about podium drought 'every day'
Friday 1 August 2025 19:00 , Jack RathbornLewis Hamilton admits he thinks about the longest run of his career without a grand prix podium, currently at 15 races, “every day”.
Hamilton joked that the poor run does not bother, initially stating "no", but then admitted the lack of success aggravates him.
"Of course it does," he added. "I think about it every day."
Lewis Hamilton says 'there will be tears' during F1 summer break
Friday 1 August 2025 18:00 , Jack Rathborn"The last god knows how many seasons have been hard in their own way. This one has definitely been the most intense one, I would say, just from a work perspective,” Hamilton said.
"Integrating into a new culture and into a new team. It's not gone smoothly in all areas, and it's been a real battle.
"I definitely need to get away and recharge, be around the kids, laugh, let go. I'm sure there'll be some tears at some point and I think that's really healthy."
Norris: Car 'has felt pretty good'
Friday 1 August 2025 17:45 , Chris Wilson“The car since the first lap has felt pretty good,” says Lando Norris after the practice.
“All my laps have been decent. The second session was a little bit more messy on low fuel and high fuel, a few more mistakes.
“It’s all part of practice and finding the limit in different areas. Good understanding. I know what I want from the car. It might be a bit harder trying to get it,” he adds.
F1’s return to Hungary serves as reminder of McLaren quarrel on the horizon
Friday 1 August 2025 17:30 , Chris WilsonThe Hungaroring, Budapest. Twelve months ago, as it became apparent that McLaren’s 2024 mid-season renaissance was more than just a temporary spike on the performance graph, this is where the first banging of heads occurred between the papaya drivers out on track. Two drivers desperate for victory, which made a quarrel, with neither defined as team No 1, quite the inevitability.
Eventually, Oscar Piastri claimed his first F1 race victory and almost looked embarrassed to celebrate. It only came after Lando Norrisreluctantly conceded the lead, as his engineer Will Joseph pleaded with the Brit to follow team orders.
“I know you’ll do the right thing,” Joseph told his driver. “Just remember every single Sunday morning meeting we have… I’m trying to protect you, mate… please do it now.” Eventually, the series of orders – teetering on the edge of successive guilt trips – triggered the most reluctant of acquiesces from Norris.
F1’s return to Hungary serves as reminder of McLaren quarrel on the horizon
Verstappen to be investigated for rag incident
Friday 1 August 2025 17:25 , Chris WilsonA reminder that Max Verstappen will also likely be investigated for throwing that rag on the track, so he could face a further penalty.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 17:20 , Chris Wilson
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 17:15 , Chris WilsonWe have the full results no, so here is how it went in FP2:
1 - Norris - 1:15.624s
2 - Piastri +0.291s
3 - Leclerc +0.399s
4 - Stroll +0.495s
5 - Alonso +0.609s
6 - Hamilton +0.705s
7 - Russell +0.793s
8 - Hadjar +0.803s
9 - Tsunoda +0.861s
10 - Antonelli +0.896s
11 - Bearman +0.943s
12 - Hulkenberg +1.056s
13 - Ocon +1.080s
14 - Verstappen +1.167s
15 - Lawson +1.188s
16 - Sainz +1.250s
17 - Bortoleto +1.322s
18 - Albon +1.397s
19 - Gasly +1.419s
20 - Colapinto +1.535s
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 17:03 , Chris WilsonA strange incident as there two McLarens nearly collide, with Norris locking up as he comes out the pit lane and almost wiping out Piastri!
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 17:01 , Chris WilsonThe chequered flag is up!
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:58 , Chris Wilson4 mins to go
Both Norris and Piastri are recording roughly 1:21s on the mediums during the race runs.
Alonso is matching that but he’s on softs, with Aston Martin’s pair still in fourth and fifth.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:52 , Chris Wilson7 mins to go
Most drivers are back on mediums now, with the notable exception of Hamilton.
Verstappen is back on team radio saying that he doesn’t know what’s going on, but the car is “undriveable”.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:51 , Chris Wilson9 mins to go
Carlos Sainz had lost radio and telemetry, but he has not back so remains on the track.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:48 , Chris Wilson11 mins to go
Aston Martin have fourth and fifth place at the moment, with Stroll ahead of Alonso.
Hamilton is in sixth with Russell in seventh, while Hadjar, Tsunoda and Antonelli completing the top 10.
Verstappen is still languishing down in 14th.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:47 , Chris Wilson14 mins to go
Both McLaren drivers are pushing each other and Norris has a little mishap as he nearly spins at the final corner, but he’s okay to carry on.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:43 , Chris Wilson18 mins to go
The top two remain the same, unsurprisingly.
Alonso can’t improve on that most recent lap so he stays fifth for now.
Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton sets a great time in sector one but finishes seven tenths behind Norris and three tenths off team-mate Leclerc.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:38 , Chris Wilson21 mins to go
Fernando Alonso has made his return for FP2 and he’s doing pretty well out there in fifth, 0.609s behind the leading pace. He’s less than 0.1s off Leclerc too.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:37 , Chris Wilson23 mins to go
Verstappen is having a disappointing day so far, with the Red Bull man over 1.1s off the pace down in 12th. Worse still, he seems to have thrown something out of his car, so that ‘incident’ will likely be reviewed.
Hamilton is not faring too much better, with the Ferrari man 0.8s behind Norris’ pace, though he’s up in eighth.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:35 , Chris Wilson26 mins to go
Lance Stroll has produced a brilliant lap to move 0.495s behind Norris, and he moves up to third!
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:31 , Chris Wilson28 mins to go
Both McLaren’s are onto the softs and as expected, they produce commanding laps.
Piastri lands a 1:15.915, but he is quickly usurped by Norris, who breaks 1:15:624!
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:27 , Chris Wilson33 mins to go
No changes at the top as the two McLaren’s head for their out laps.
Carlos Sainz has moved into third though, with Leclerc now in fourth and Antonelli completing the top five.
Sainz is one of the first on soft tyres, so the rest will soon follow.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:21 , Chris Wilson40 mins to go
Norris takes the lead again! Not by much either, with the Briton going through in 1:16.525.
Piastri is 0.172s behind at the moment.
Lewis Hamilton is again struggling to keep the pace, languishing in eighth and almost a second behind Norris’ fastest lap.
Both Red Bulls are struggling too, with Tsunoda ahead of Verstappen and the Dutchman telling his team that the car is "like driving on ice”.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:15 , Chris Wilson43 mins to go
A new leader! Oscar Piastri gets his first ‘proper’ lap in and sets a new lead time of 1:16.697, 0.219s ahead of Norris.
Kimi Antonelli briefly shot up into second but he’s moved back down, now occupying fourth ahead of his teammate George Russell.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:13 , Chris Wilson47 mins to go
Piastri is languishing behind in sixth but he slid through a turn early on so will have lost time there.
George Russel is in third, 0.5s behind Leclerc, while Isack Hadjar is clearly aiming to build on his good FP1 performance – he’s in fourth, 0.5s behind the Briton.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:10 , Chris Wilson50 mins to go
Normal service is resumed! Norris gets out and immediately sets the leading pace, with a lap of 1:16.916.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:09 , Chris Wilson55 mins to go
Hulkenberg is into the gravel on turn 14 but all looks fine, and there’s no stoppage.
We’re getting the first clean runs now too, with Russell briefly in the lead before Leclerc sets a pace of 1:17.181.
All drivers on medium at the moment bar Bortoleto and Bearman.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:04 , Chris WilsonNico Hulkenberg is first out onto the track, replacing Paul Aron (who ‘crashed’ out of FP1).
Others are getting their starts sorted out ahead of starting the second session.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 16:00 , Chris WilsonWe’re back out at the Hungaroring!
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 15:56 , Chris WilsonWill McLaren repeat their dominant performance from FP1?
It’s looking increasingly difficult to displace Piastri and Norris, both today and in the upcoming races!
There’s a 16-point gap between the two in the Drivers’ Championship, with Verstappen in third a further 65 points back.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 15:44 , Chris WilsonA reminder that FP2 is around 15 minutes away.
F1 Calendar
Friday 1 August 2025 15:35 , Chris WilsonA reminder of the remainder of the F1 calendar this season:
ROUND 15 - NETHERLANDS
Circuit Zandvoort - 29-31 August
ROUND 16 - ITALY
Monza Circuit - 5-7 September
ROUND 17 - AZERBAIJAN
Baku City Circuit - 19-21 September
ROUND 18 - SINGAPORE
Marina Bay Street Circuit - 3-5 October
ROUND 19 - UNITED STATES (sprint weekend)
Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 17-19 October
ROUND 20 - MEXICO
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 24-26 October
ROUND 21 - BRAZIL (sprint weekend)
Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 7-9 November
ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Street Circuit - 20-22 November
ROUND 23 - QATAR (sprint weekend)
Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 28-30 November
ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI
Yas Marina Circuit - 5-7 December
George Russell admits to risk of Mercedes exit
Friday 1 August 2025 15:24 , Chris WilsonGeorge Russell’s wait for his Formula One future to be confirmed is set to extend until at least next month’s summer break, despite the confirmation that Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull.
Russell said that “maybe the interests were not aligned for some time” between himself and the team, adding that “my whole career, until last year, the team have supported me so much and given me such amazing opportunities”.
“"I still trust in the team that they will always support me as long as I'm performing, so that's what I need to focus on," he added.
“But of course, these past months have not been the most assuring for our future, and that's just been a bit conflicting."
Nevertheless, reports suggest that Russell is closing in on a new deal that would run until 2027.
Aston Martin statement in full
Friday 1 August 2025 15:14 , Chris WilsonAston Martin have mave a statement on Alonso’s return:
“Fernando will be back in the AMR25 for FP2 this afternoon. He chose to sit out the opening practice session to limit his time in the car as he manages a muscular injury in his back,” it said.
“Having undergone further treatment this morning and medically cleared by the FIA, Fernando will be back in the AMR25 alongside Lance.
“Felipe Drugovich delivered a busy FP1 programme with Lance earlier today, collecting important data as the team continues to evaluate recent car updates.”
Alonso back for second practice
Friday 1 August 2025 15:10 , Chris WilsonAston Martin have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will return for the second practice session today, so he should be okay for the rest of the weekend at the Hungaroring.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 15:01 , Chris WilsonA reminder that the second practice session will take place at 4pm BST.
You can watch it live on Sky Sports’ F1 channel, while Sky Sports subscribers can also watch all the action in Budapest on the Sky Go app.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
F1 constructor standings
Friday 1 August 2025 14:44 , Chris Wilson1. McLaren - 516 points
2. Ferrari - 248 points
3. Mercedes - 220 points
4. Red Bull - 192 points
5. Williams - 70 points
6. Sauber - 43 points
7. Racing Bulls - 41 points
8. Aston Martin - 36 points
9. Haas - 35 points
10. Alpine - 20 points
F1 driver standings
Friday 1 August 2025 14:31 , Chris Wilson1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 266 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 250 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 185 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 157 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 139 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 109 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 63 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 54 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 37 points
10. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 27 points
12. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 22 points
12. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 20 points
13. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 20 points
14. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 16 points
15. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 16 points
16. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 16 points
17. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 10 points
18. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 8 points
19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 6 points
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0 points
21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points
Hungarian GP weather
Friday 1 August 2025 14:16 , Chris WilsonRain could disrupt the second GP weekend in a row in Budapest, with the forecast for Sunday showing showers in the area around the Hungaroring.
It is set to be a largely sunny start to the weekend in Budapest, with temperatures at 27C on Friday and Saturday for the practice sessions and qualifying, but the rain is scheduled to come in on race day.
When is the Hungarian Grand Prix?
Friday 1 August 2025 14:06 , Chris WilsonAll times BST
Friday 1 August
- Free practice 1: 12:30pm
- Free practice 2: 4pm
Saturday 2 August
- Free practice 3: 11:30am
- Qualifying: 3pm
Sunday 3 August
- Race: 2pm
Max Verstappen commits future to Red Bull for 2026 F1 season
Friday 1 August 2025 13:54 , Chris WilsonMax Verstappen has ended speculation over his short-term future by insisting he will stay at Red Bull for the 2026 F1 season.
Four-time F1 world champion Verstappen, who has a £50m-a-deal until the end of the 2028 season, has been strongly linked with Mercedes in recent months ahead of a new set of F1 regulations next year, with the Silver Arrows the rumoured frontrunners. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has previously declared his interest in signing one of the sport’s generational talents.
Verstappen has also only won two races this year in a car which is the fourth-quickest on the grid and, as detailed by The Independent on Tuesday, the Dutchman has an exit clause allowing him to leave if he is lower than third in the drivers’ standings by the summer break.
Max Verstappen commits future to Red Bull for 2026 F1 season
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:47 , Chris Wilson
Final timesheet
Friday 1 August 2025 13:41 , Chris WilsonThe final timesheet is is now, so here’s how FP1 has finished.
1 - Norris - 1:16.052
2 - Piastri +0.019s
3 - Leclerc +0.217s
4 - Hadjar +0.629s
5 - Hamilton +0.682s
6 - Bearman +0.826s
7 - Antonelli +0.828s
8 - Russell +0.873s
9 - Verstappen +0.888s
10 - Stroll +0.906s
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:37 , Chris WilsonVerstappen has only managed to take ninth place, while some other cars are still out there doing practice starts.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:33 , Chris WilsonLando Norris has set the pace then, as he remains 0.019s ahead of Piastri.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:30 , Chris WilsonThe chequered flag has gone up!
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:28 , Chris Wilson4 mins to go
Not long left now and it’s looking difficult to de-throne McLaren.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:24 , Chris Wilson8 mins to go
Leclerc remains 0.2s behind the McLaren duo. Hamilton has run wide to avoid crashing, with a lock-up seeing him go off.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:20 , Chris Wilson11 mins to go
Piastri has gone for another run and on this attempt he’s very close to Norris, with just 0.019s between them.
Hamilton has moved into the top five too after finding a bit of pace, but he’s still behind Leclerc
Elsewhere, Liam Lawson tells his team radio he “nearly drove into Isack Hadjar.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:12 , Chris Wilson18 mins to go
Leclerc has clawed back some time on the leading duo, and he’s just 0.217 behind Piastri at present.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:11 , Chris Wilson20 mins to go
Norris and Piastri are setting the pace once again now, with both having moved onto softs.
The Australian is 0.142 behind his teammates’ pace at the moment.
Norris had gone seven-tenths clear of nearest challenger Leclerc just moments before too, so it looks like McLaren may well dominate the rest of this session.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:07 , Chris Wilson24 mins to go
Leclerc is onto the soft tyres and he has set a new pace now, leading with 1:16.791.
Franco Colapinto was the first driver to move to the softs and he’s now been followed by Hamilton and most others, bar the McLaren and Mercedes duos.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:03 , Chris Wilson27 mins to go
The green flag has now gone up, so no more of the virtual safety car.
Piastri is still lagging behind third-placed Carlos Sainz at the moment, but you’d expect that to change soon.
Leclerc and Sainz are now on their out laps, and we’re expecting some drivers to move onto the soft tyres soon.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 13:00 , Chris Wilson30 mins to go
We have a virtual safety car now as Paul Aron has stopped on the track.
He’s been told to do so by Sauber and so has driven right off rather than trying to make it into the pits.
He’s next to a slip road that’ll take him off the circuit, so it shouldn't be too long.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:56 , Chris Wilson34 mins to go
Norris has replied to that action from Leclerc by returning to the top of the timesheet, racing over 0.5s ahead of the Ferrari man.
Sainz, Albon and Piastri make up the rest of the current top five.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:54 , Chris Wilson36 mins to go
Hamilton goes to the radio to learn where he’s losing time.
“The car isn’t feeling good,” he tells the team, before being told he’s losing time on turns 5, 8 and 9.
He sounds confused at being so far off the pace early on, as he sits in 10th and several seconds behind teammate Leclerc.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:53 , Chris Wilson40 mins to go
Charles Leclerc has moved into a surprise lead!
He clears Lando Norris by a couple of tenths on his latest run, with the Briton still keeping a lead on teammate Piastri.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:46 , Chris Wilson48 mins to go
More of the usual briefly as the McLaren dup return to the top, with Norris setting the pace at 1:17:631 and Piastri 0.248s behind.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:37 , Chris Wilson52 mins to go
Norris and Russell have since seen the fastest laps, with the Mercedes driver leading and Norris 0.3s behind.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:35 , Chris WilsonPiastri, Verstappen, Hadjar, Sainz, Bearman, Albon and Ocon are among those to have registered a time so far, with the McLaren man unsurprisingly the fastest (though Vertsappen is only 0.1s behind).
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:32 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Hungaroring, with Lewis Hamilton among the first to go out.
Hungarian GP Practice
Friday 1 August 2025 12:27 , Chris WilsonFP1 will be underway soon in Hungary!
Three teams have upgrades in Hungary
Friday 1 August 2025 12:23 , Chris WilsonAfter a weekend that saw several upgrades in Spa, only three teams are bringing upgrades to Budapest according to Sky.
Red Bull have a new front wing – which aims to generate more downforce – and a new front corner, while Aston Martin have a more aggressive front wing flap.
In addition, Racing Bulls have modified their front brake drums and changed the cooling louvres.
The Hungaroring
Friday 1 August 2025 12:20 , Chris WilsonA brief look at the Hungaroring ahead of FP1:
The Hungaroring is a 4.381 km circuit that lies around 45 minutes away from Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
The track has hosted the Hungarian Grand Prix since 1986, and has proved popular among fans. It is known for its tight, winding nature and is both the second shortest and second slowest circuit in F1, having been compared to Monaco in the past.
Turn 1 is the main overtaking spot – although Turn 2 and the hill towards Turn 4 often throw together overtaking battles – while the middle sector focuses on grip and keeping the tyres alive.
While overtaking is notoriously difficult, there have been notable highlights over the years including Jenson Button's maiden victory in 2006, a superb strategic win from Michael Schumacher in 1998 and Esteban Ocon's victory for Alpine in 2021.
Hungarian GP weather
Friday 1 August 2025 12:10 , Chris WilsonRain could disrupt the second GP weekend in a row in Budapest, with the forecast for Sunday showing showers in the area around the Hungaroring.
It is set to be a largely sunny start to the weekend in Budapest, with temperatures at 27C on Friday and Saturday for the practice sessions and qualifying, but the rain is scheduled to come in on race day.
George Russell admits to risk of Mercedes exit
Friday 1 August 2025 12:00 , Chris WilsonGeorge Russell’s wait for his Formula One future to be confirmed is set to extend until at least next month’s summer break, despite the confirmation that Max Verstappen will stay at Red Bull.
Russell said that “maybe the interests were not aligned for some time” between himself and the team, adding that “my whole career, until last year, the team have supported me so much and given me such amazing opportunities”.
“"I still trust in the team that they will always support me as long as I'm performing, so that's what I need to focus on," he added.
“But of course, these past months have not been the most assuring for our future, and that's just been a bit conflicting."
Nevertheless, reports suggest that Russell is closing in on a new deal that would run until 2027.
Turkey joins host of countries eyeing F1 race – and could step-in as soon as 2026
Friday 1 August 2025 11:50 , Chris WilsonTurkey is looking to claim a permanent spot back on the F1 calendar and has offered the services of Istanbul Park for 2026 should any country be unable to host their race.
The Turkish Grand Prix first appeared on the sport’s calendar in 2005 for seven iterations, before it was dropped in 2011. However, the race at the popular Istanbul circuit returned in the Covid-hit years of 2020 and 2021.
However, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) have made it known their desire to host a race again. While the 24-race 2026 calendar has already been published, Istanbul could step in if any race – such as the new street track in Madrid, with the race scheduled in September 2026 – is not ready in time.
Turkey joins host of countries eyeing F1 race – and could step-in as soon as 2026
Red Bull adviser reveals ‘primary’ reason Christian Horner was sacked
Friday 1 August 2025 11:40 , Chris WilsonRed Bull adviser Helmut Marko has revealed that Christian Horner was primarily dismissed from his role as team principal due to performance reasons.
Horner was relieved of his duties as Red Bull F1 CEO and team principal three weeks ago after 20 years at the helm.
It brought to an end a tumultuous 18 months for the team, with a divide forming within the management structure despite Max Verstappen claiming his fourth world championship last year.
Red Bull adviser reveals ‘primary’ reason Christian Horner was sacked
Ferrari F1 boss Fred Vasseur signs new contract despite winless run
Friday 1 August 2025 11:30 , Chris WilsonFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has signed a new long-term contract despite the team’s winless run in Formula 1 this season.
Indeed, the last grand prix won by the Scuderia came in Mexico City last year when Carlos Sainz finished top of the podium, before he was replaced with Lewis Hamilton for the current campaign.
Neither Hamilton nor teammate Charles Leclerc has secured a win in 2025 and both have struggled to exert the maximum performance out of their cars.
Ferrari F1 boss Fred Vasseur signs new contract despite winless run
2025 F1 CALENDAR IN FULL:
ROUND 14 - HUNGARY
Hungaroring, Budapest - 1-3 August
ROUND 15 - NETHERLANDS
Circuit Zandvoort - 29-31 August
ROUND 16 - ITALY
Monza Circuit - 5-7 September
ROUND 17 - AZERBAIJAN
Baku City Circuit - 19-21 September
ROUND 18 - SINGAPORE
Marina Bay Street Circuit - 3-5 October
ROUND 19 - UNITED STATES (sprint weekend)
Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 17-19 October
ROUND 20 - MEXICO
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 24-26 October
ROUND 21 - BRAZIL (sprint weekend)
Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 7-9 November
ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Street Circuit - 20-22 November
ROUND 23 - QATAR (sprint weekend)
Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 28-30 November
ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI
Yas Marina Circuit - 5-7 December
F1 driver standings
Friday 1 August 2025 11:10 , Chris WilsonHere are the Drivers’ Championship standings ahead of race weekend:
1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 266 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 250 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 185 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 157 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 139 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 109 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 63 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 54 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 37 points
10. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 27 points
12. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 22 points
12. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 20 points
13. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 20 points
14. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 16 points
15. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 16 points
16. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 16 points
17. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 10 points
18. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 8 points
19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 6 points
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0 points
21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points
F1 standings after Belgian GP as Oscar Piastri extends lead to Lando Norris
How can I watch the GP & qualifying?
Friday 1 August 2025 11:00 , Chris WilsonThe Hungarian Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom - and ESPN in the United States. Sky’s coverage of Sunday’s race starts at 12:30pm (BST).
Qualifying will be shown on Sky’s F1 channel, with broadcasts of each season separately at 12.30pm and 4pm.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch all the action in Budapest on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass hereto watch without a subscription.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the Hungarian Grand Prix then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help.
Hungarian Grand Prix weekend & 2024 recap
Friday 1 August 2025 10:50 , Chris WilsonF1 returns to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, round 14 of the 2025 season and the last race before the summer break.
Championship leader Oscar Piastri won the Belgian Grand Prix last time out, with an early overtake on McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris sealing his sixth victory of the season. The Australian now has a 16-point lead over the Briton.
Charles Leclerc secured a podium finish for Ferrari, while Lewis Hamilton recovered from a pit-lane start to come home seventh. However, the seven-time world champion is still chasing a first podiumfor the Scuderia.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the sprint race at the first race under new team principal Laurent Mekies, while Mercedes endured a weekend to forget. Piastri won last year’s race in Hungary - his first F1 victory - after a contentious team order decision instructed Norris to give up the lead.
What time is qualifying?
Friday 1 August 2025 10:40 , Chris WilsonThe first qualifying session of the day gets underway at 12.30pm BST, with the second following a few hours later at 4pm BST.
Secret documents and a rallying cry: How Lewis Hamilton is trying to revive Ferrari
Friday 1 August 2025 10:36 , Jack RathbornPrior to a Belgian Grand Prix weekend to forget for Lewis Hamilton, whose last F1 win came here a year ago with Mercedes, the question posed to the Ferrari driver without a podium to his name this year was an innocuous one. His answer, however, was an unyielding message to his beleaguered Ferrari team.
Asked whether he’d been at the Maranello factory in the last few weeks, Hamilton replied that he had. A “couple of days each week”, he detailed. Then, untriggered, the British driver, often so reluctant to reveal the inner workings of his mind, went into full disclosure mode.
“I’ve called on lots of meetings with the heads of the team, so I’ve sat with John [Elkann], Benedetto [Vigna] and Fred [Vasseur],” Hamilton said, referring to the Ferrari chair, CEO and team principal – the three-pronged executive team who lured the 40-year-old to the Scuderia.
.jpg?width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Secret documents and a rallying cry: How Lewis Hamilton is trying to revive Ferrari
Max Verstappen commits future to Red Bull for 2026 F1 season
Friday 1 August 2025 10:35 , Jack RathbornMax Verstappen has ended speculation over his short-term future by insisting he will stay at Red Bull for the 2026 F1 season.
Four-time F1 world champion Verstappen, who has a £50m-a-deal until the end of the 2028 season, has been strongly linked with Mercedes in recent months ahead of a new set of F1 regulations next year, with the Silver Arrows the rumoured frontrunners. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has previously declared his interest in signing one of the sport’s generational talents.
Verstappen has also only won two races this year in a car which is the fourth-quickest on the grid and, as detailed by The Independent on Tuesday, the Dutchman has an exit clause allowing him to leave if he is lower than third in the drivers’ standings by the summer break.
Max Verstappen commits future to Red Bull for 2026 F1 season
Fernando Alonso doubtful for Budapest race after injury
Friday 1 August 2025 10:34 , Jack RathbornAston Martin statement: "In the days following the Belgian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso has been managing a muscular injury in his back. As he continues with treatment this morning, he has chosen to sit out of FP1.
“Felipe Drugovich will drive in FP1 alongside Lance Stroll. A decision will then be made on Fernando’s participation in FP2 and the remainder of the weekend in due course."
F1 Hungarian Grand Prix practice
Friday 1 August 2025 10:36 , Chris WilsonGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Friday’s practice session ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The 14th round of the 2025 season takes place at the Hungaroring this weekend, with Oscar Piastri holding a 16-point lead over teammate Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship after last week’s rain-hit race at Spa.
