Toto Wolff believes Mercedes were within touching distance of a 2025 Hungarian GP pole, only for a split-second error to drop George Russell off the front row, setting the stage for a fierce podium battle on Sunday at the Hungaroring.
There was a sense of both progress and missed opportunity in the Mercedes garage after Saturday’s qualifying for the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. As the Budapest sun set over the Hungaroring, team principal Toto Wolff reflected on a session that had promised much but ultimately left Russell fourth on the grid – just 0.05 seconds from pole – and rookie Kimi Antonelli facing a fight from the midfield.
The Mercedes team arrived in Hungary with hopes of building on recent upgrades, and both drivers looked competitive through practice. By the time the final qualifying segment began, Russell was among the favourites for pole, having shown impressive pace through Q2. But as the pressure mounted, the smallest of mistakes in the decisive moments would ultimately prove costly.
Tiny error, big consequence
As the cars queued up for the final Q3 runs, all eyes were on Russell and whether he could dethrone Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari from the top spot. The Briton was on a flying lap that looked strong enough for a front row start, but a snap of oversteer forced him to correct, costing just enough time to dash any hopes of pole.
“We are both pleased and frustrated after Saturday in Budapest. Pleased with the step we have made with the car here this weekend but frustrated knowing that P4 and P15 doesn’t accurately reflect the pace we’ve shown,” said Wolff, cutting a pragmatic figure in the paddock.
“George looked like he was going to take pole position on his last lap in Q3. Unfortunately, a small snap of oversteer cost him some time and that left him P4, despite only being 0.05s slower than the Ferrari of Leclerc. Starting from the second row gives us a good opportunity to fight for the podium tomorrow though.”
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Russell, who has consistently delivered strong performances throughout the 2025 season, was left to ponder what might have been.
Mercedes’ race focus and Antonelli’s learning curve
While Russell’s disappointment was palpable, Wolff turned his attention to Antonelli, whose F1 apprenticeship has been scrutinised heavily in recent weeks. The young Italian managed to make it through to Q2, but ultimately found himself in 15th, edged out in a tightly packed midfield.
“For Kimi, it was a more difficult session. He has rebuilt his confidence with the car in practice and continued that into Qualifying. Unfortunately, he fell just the wrong side of a tight bunch in Q2 and that stopped him from fighting nearer the front like George,” said Wolff.
“Whilst he is understandably disappointed, the step forward he has taken here in Hungary is pleasing. We will look to help him battle through the field tomorrow and get into the points.”
With Mercedes showing signs of genuine pace on longer runs, there’s cautious optimism for the race. Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix promises to be a strategic challenge for all teams, with tyre management and track position expected to be decisive.
