Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second free practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday. Max Verstappen was fourth in his Red Bull and, in addition to Leclerc, also had to tolerate Lando Norris in the McLaren and Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari.
Leclerc clocked a time of 1.18.455 on the red soft tires at the Hungaroring. Verstappen was 0.283 seconds slower, giving less than a tenth to Norris and Sainz.
Norris’ pace does not stand alone. Daniel Ricciardo clocked fifth in the second McLaren at four tenths of Leclerc. The British team made the necessary updates during the previous Grand Prix in France.
The year-old Fernando Alonso (41) was fifth in the Alpine, ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the Aston Martin. That team came to Hungary with a major update, including an inventive new rear wing.
Results second free practice
- 1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1.18.445
- 2. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.217
- 3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) +0.231
- 4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) +0.283
- 5. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) +0.427
- 6. Fernando Alonso (Alpine) +0.604
- 7. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) +0.808
- 8. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.910
- 9. Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing) +0.952
- 10. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) +0.966
Pérez does not get further than ninth time
George Russell was the fastest Mercedes driver in eighth, followed by Sergio Pérez in Red Bull’s second. Verstappen’s teammate had a difficult weekend in France and seems to be continuing that trend somewhat in Hungary. Valtteri Bottas completed the top ten in the Alfa Romeo.
During practice, the drivers were mainly busy with long runs, to see how the tires kept up to race pace. It is particularly hot in Hungary with temperatures above 30 degrees and asphalt above 50 degrees. There were few incidents. Only Alexander Albon caused a yellow flag with a spider in his Williams.
On Saturday, the third free practice (13.00) and qualifying (4.00) are on the program. The race at the Hungaroring starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday.