The feared storm came, but the third free practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix near Budapest took place as planned. Shortly before the start of the session it began to rain heavily, but by the time it started on the Hungaroring the rain had calmed down again and practice could start on time.
The first to risk going out on track with intermediates was Fernando Alonso (Alpine). The purpose of the practice session was primarily to find the crossover from full wet to intermediate because it could rain in qualifying as well.
Alfa Romeo, for example, had expected in advance that the crossover could have a lap time of 1:38 minutes. In fact, the intermediates were already pulled up by all drivers for well over 1:40 minutes.
But hardly anyone got through without a ride or a spin. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) complained about a lack of grip, Mick Schumacher (Haas) said it was “like being on ice”, both in the back and in front. George Russell (Mercedes) radioed: “These tires don’t work at all. They’re just so cold!”
A good ten minutes before the end there was the first crash in turn 10, which Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) of all people caused. “Ah, sorry, ah!” he shouted angrily into the pit radio. The session was red flagged while his car was recovered. His mechanics can probably cancel the “lunch break” now.
Surprisingly, Latifi is first
The result is not representative; but when it rains, the Williams seems to work perfectly. Nicholas Latifi sensationally set the best time in 1:41.480, followed by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari/+0.661) and Alexander Albon (Williams/+0.901).
As Latifi crossed the finish line, cheers erupted from the crowd and the Williams box. Apparently the car seems to be able to handle the temperatures in the tires – unlike the others who couldn’t do it despite 27 degrees asphalt temperatures.