Ferrari's Charles Leclerc leads strong practice sessions at Hungarian GP
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 5:43 PM
Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Charles Leclerc topped the time sheets in Formula 1 practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 24, going fastest in FP1. Leclerc's teammate, Lewis Hamilton, helped secure a 1-2 finish for Ferrari in FP2. In contrast, both Mercedes drivers reported significant balance issues affecting their confidence on track. The results suggest Ferrari's SF-26 shows strong performance in slower corners, as anticipated by the team ahead of the event. Teams will look to adjust setups ahead of final qualifying on Saturday.
- •Leclerc fastest in FP1 at Hungarian GP practice
- •Ferrari secures 1-2 finish in FP2
- •Mercedes drivers report balance issues
- •Ferrari shows strength in slower corners
- •Final qualifying scheduled for Saturday
- 5:43 PMMotorsport.com — George Russell: What Mercedes 'feared' from Ferrari came true in F1 Hungarian GP practice
- 5:43 PMYahoo Sports — George Russell: What Mercedes 'feared' from Ferrari came true in F1 Hungarian GP practice
"Although Ferrari's drivers were keen to play down expectations ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the SF-26 confirmed its superiority around slower corners on the opening day of Formula 1 track action. Charles Leclerc went fastest in FP1 while team-mate Lewis Hamilton led Leclerc in a Ferrari 1-2 in FP2. In contrast, both Mercedes drivers reported confidence-sapping balance issues and a lack ...Keep reading
"Ferrari was 'a good step ahead of everyone' as Mercedes struggled with poor balance and low grip in F1 Hungarian GP practice, according to George Russell
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJul 24, 2026, 5:43 PMGeorge Russell: What Mercedes 'feared' from Ferrari came true in F1 Hungarian GP practice
Although Ferrari's drivers were keen to play down expectations ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the SF-26 confirmed its superiority around slower corners on the opening day of Formula 1 track action. Charles Leclerc went fastest in FP1 while team-mate Lewis Hamilton led Leclerc in a Ferrari 1-2 in FP2. In contrast, both Mercedes drivers reported confidence-sapping balance issues and a lack ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJul 24, 2026, 5:43 PMGeorge Russell: What Mercedes 'feared' from Ferrari came true in F1 Hungarian GP practice
Ferrari was 'a good step ahead of everyone' as Mercedes struggled with poor balance and low grip in F1 Hungarian GP practice, according to George Russell
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