F1 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix Starting Grid

Charles Leclerc secures surprise pole for Ferrari at the Hungaroring, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris poised to challenge in Sunday’s showdown

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F1 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix starting grid order is set after a dramatic qualifying session at the Hungaroring, with Charles Leclerc taking a memorable pole position for Ferrari. The Monegasque delivered under pressure to edge out both McLaren drivers, igniting anticipation for one of the most strategic races of the season.

It was a session full of tension and surprises. Leclerc, who had struggled to match the outright pace of the papaya cars in recent races, pulled out a near-perfect lap to clock a 1:15.372 – just 0.026 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri and another 0.015 seconds ahead of Lando Norris. The trio will line up at the front for what promises to be a closely fought race in Budapest.

F1 Starting Grid 2025 Hungarian GP – Final

Here is the full F1 starting grid for the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, based on Saturday’s qualifying results at the Hungaroring.

PosDriverTeam
1Charles LeclercFerrari
2Oscar PiastriMcLaren
3Lando NorrisMcLaren
4George RussellMercedes
5Fernando AlonsoAston Martin
6Lance StrollAston Martin
7Gabriel BortoletoSauber
8Max VerstappenRed Bull
9Liam LawsonRacing Bulls
10Isack HadjarRacing Bulls
11Oliver BearmanHaas
12Lewis HamiltonFerrari
13Carlos SainzWilliams
14Franco ColapintoAlpine
15Kimi AntonelliMercedes
16Pierre GaslyAlpine
17Esteban OconHaas
18Nico HulkenbergSauber
19Alexander AlbonWilliams
20Yuki Tsunoda*Red Bull

2025 Hungarian GP Grid Penalties

  • Yuki Tsunoda – Required to start from the pit lane – Car modified whilst under Parc Fermé conditions and additional power unit elements have been used

Key names in the mix as grid positions shake up title fight

George Russell proved to be the closest challenger from Mercedes, qualifying fourth and hinting at renewed competitiveness for the Silver Arrows on a track that rewards technical precision. The Aston Martin duo of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll locked out the third row, both benefitting from key upgrades that have revitalised their campaign.

Rookie sensation Gabriel Bortoleto lines up seventh for Sauber after another mature display, while Max Verstappen finds himself eighth for Red Bull Racing following a difficult session. Verstappen’s struggles with balance and grip could add another layer of unpredictability to Sunday’s race, especially given his championship ambitions.

Pole position qualifier Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, Second placed qualifier Oscar Piastri and Third placed qualifier Lando Norris after qualifying for the F1 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix | McLaren F1 Team
Pole position qualifier Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, Second placed qualifier Oscar Piastri and Third placed qualifier Lando Norris after qualifying for the F1 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix | McLaren F1 Team

Racing Bulls placed both cars inside the top ten, with Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar continuing to impress. That leaves a second half of the field packed with proven race winners and rising stars—each looking to capitalise on potential chaos at the notoriously narrow and twisting Hungaroring.

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With every team seeking a strong result before the summer break, the race could see a blend of bold overtaking and tactical battles—particularly as tyre management is expected to be crucial in the Hungarian heat.

Leclerc will be looking to defend his pole advantage into Turn 1, while Piastri and Norris both have recent form and momentum on their side. Meanwhile, watch for a potential fightback from Max Verstappen, who starts from an uncharacteristic eighth but remains a threat at any circuit.

John Smith
John Smithhttp://total-motorsport.com
Editor at Total-Motorsport.com and all round Motorsport journalist specialising in Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula E.

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