Hamilton claims pole after thriller
LEWIS Hamilton claimed his first pole position since 2021 after edging out Max Verstappen in qualifying yesterday for today’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion ended a barren run stretching back 33 races by claiming a record-increasing 104th pole of his career and his record ninth at the Hungaroring circuit.
His success with a last-gasp lap was greeted with cheers by the crowd and ended defending double world champion Verstappen’s run of five straight poles for Red Bull.
“I didn’t expect this, for us to be fighting for pole position here this weekend,” said a hoarse and emotional Hamilton, who had described his car as being “at its worst” yesterday.
“But hats off to the team. They’ve done a fantastic job,” added Hamilton, back on the front of the grid for the first time since the Saudi Arabian
Grand Prix in 2021. The Briton outpaced Verstappen by just 0.003 seconds in a thrilling conclusion to their contest. Verstappen, whose Red Bull car ran with an updates package, was disappointed.
“We’ve not been on it so far this weekend,” he said, but with a 99-point lead ahead of teammate Perez in the title race, he could afford a rare off-day.
Lando Norris was third ahead of his Mclaren teammate Oscar Piastri, Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, with Valtteri Bottas taking seventh for Alfa Romeo.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was eighth for Aston Martin ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, back in the top-10 shootout for the first time in six outings, and Nico Hulkenberg of Haas.
Meanwhile, a new contract for Hamilton at Mercedes beyond the end of the season is yet to be signed. but “emotionally” done, team boss Toto Wolff said yesterday.
The contract has been a drawnout talking point in the sport, as has been the case with most of the driver's previous deals.
Wolff, who is also a co-owner of the Mercedes team, told reporters earlier this month that the discussion was no longer about financial aspects.
“We’re not talking anything any more about duration, money, all of that, it’s other topics.”
It was also announced yesterday that the Hungarian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula One calendar until at least 2032 after a five-year extension. This followed the confirmation of a significant refurbishment of the Hungaroring, including a new pit building and main grandstand.