BTN News: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren impressed everyone by taking the top two spots in the third practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday. This session is important as the Formula One season moves into its second half, with more exciting races ahead.
Max Verstappen, who leads the drivers’ standings, secured the third-fastest time. George Russell from Mercedes followed closely behind. However, Lewis Hamilton faced trouble when his car spun on the track, leaving him with only the tenth-best time.
McLaren’s Performance Grows Stronger in Hungary
The Hungarian Grand Prix is crucial as it starts the second half of the season. Drivers are getting ready for the qualifying rounds that will take place later on Saturday. The race on Sunday will be exciting, with Verstappen aiming for his fourth consecutive Formula One title. He leads the standings with 255 points, followed by Norris, who has 171 points.
Competition Among Top Teams Increases
Recent races show that McLaren and Mercedes are getting closer to Red Bull. Hamilton and Russell have won recent Grand Prix events, showing they can challenge Verstappen. Meanwhile, Norris has shown he can match Verstappen’s speed, making him a strong contender in upcoming races.
Drivers Face Extreme Conditions in Practice Sessions
Friday’s practice sessions were held in extreme heat, with track temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, Norris clocked the fastest time, showing McLaren’s strength. The weather forecast for Saturday is cloudy, with temperatures expected to drop to around 40 degrees, which might change how the race plays out.
Ferrari Tries to Overcome Recent Struggles
Ferrari is also trying to get back on track. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who won races early in the season, are looking to win again. Their performance in Hungary will be important as they aim to get back to the top.
Past Performances and Future Expectations
Last year, Hamilton took pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and Russell did the same in 2022. But Verstappen won both races, even starting from the tenth position two years ago. This history makes this year’s race even more exciting.
As drivers prepare for the qualifying session and the main race, fans are looking forward to another thrilling chapter in this Formula One season. With McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari all fighting for top spots, the Hungarian Grand Prix promises to be full of action and excitement.
