Formula 1 - First Hungarian training: Sainz before Verstappen
Max Verstappen finished second in the first free practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The three-time Formula-1 World Champion had to give way to Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari in the scorching heat of Budapest at the Hungaroring. However, the Dutch winner of the past two years was almost three tenths of a second slower than the Spaniard in first place.
Third place went to Sainz' teammate Charles Leclerc from Monaco, with George Russell in the Mercedes coming in fourth.
Russell's teammate, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton from Britain, finished tenth. The 39-year-old Brit ended his winless streak since December 2021 with his 104th race win. Hamilton is the record winner at the Hungaroring with eight victories.
The only German regular driver, Nico Hülkenberg, sat out the first training session, with his designated Haas successor Oliver Bearman taking over the wheel instead.
Before the Hungarian Grand Prix this Sunday (3:05 p.m./Sky and RTL), Verstappen (255 points) leads the standings significantly over the Brit Lando Norris (171), who finished sixth in the McLaren training.
- Carlos Sainz, as a Ferrari-Pilot, showed his dominance in the scorching heat of Budapest during the first free practice session for the Grand Prix of Hungary at the Hungaroring.
- Max Verstappen, the Formula-1 World Champion from Red Bull, had a tougher time in the same session, finishing second with a slight time deficit compared to Sainz.
- The International Motorsport scene was buzzing with excitement as the Hungarian Grand Prix approached, with Hungary being a beloved destination for Formula 1 enthusiasts.
- The Hungaroring, the iconic racing circuit in Budapest, hosted the first free practice session for the Grand Prix of Hungary, with Sainz setting the pace.
- Despite Verstappen's second-place finish, his performance was still impressive, considering the intense competition from both Sainz and other top Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton.
- Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion and record winner at the Hungaroring with eight victories, managed a tenth-place finish in the first practice session, marking the end of his winless streak since December 2021.
- Meanwhile, George Russell, the Mercedes driver, placed fourth in the practice session, with his teammate Hamilton struggling to keep up.
- Nico Hülkenberg, the only German regular driver in Formula 1, was absent from the first training session, with his successor, Oliver Bearman, taking his place at Haas.
