Hungarian Grand Prix 2026: Leclerc fastest in FP1

Charles Leclerc set the pace in Hungarian Grand Prix FP1 ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton before a reported Ferrari issue cut short his run.

Charles Leclerc went quickest in first practice for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. Formula1.com reported that the Ferrari driver finished the session ahead of Max Verstappen and team-mate Lewis Hamilton, while Autosport and Motorsport.com said his benchmark was more than four tenths quicker than Verstappen’s. Leclerc arrived at the Hungaroring fourth in the drivers’ championship on 126 points; Hamilton started the weekend second on 159.

The session did not end cleanly for Ferrari. RaceFans reported that Leclerc’s running was halted by a car problem after he set the fastest time, and Motorsport.com also said his session was cut short. Elsewhere, Autosport and Motorsport.com reported that Lance Stroll brought out red flags after a suspected suspension failure. Leclerc, a nine-time Grand Prix winner with 24 career poles, still put Ferrari on top of the opening timesheet.