Charles Leclerc earned a remarkable pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session on August 2, delivering a standout performance for Scuderia Ferrari. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted the challenges faced during qualifying and stressed the importance of maintaining focus to convert this advantage into a race victory.
Vasseur, who recently renewed his contract with Ferrari, explained the difficulty Leclerc had in achieving pole position amid changing track conditions. Despite early struggles in Q1 and Q2, the 27-year-old driver managed to deliver an exceptional final lap, raising hopes for a strong race pace over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Challenges and Triumphs in Qualifying at the Hungaroring
Fred Vasseur offered insight into the precarious circumstances during qualifying, noting that both Ferrari cars nearly failed to progress past Q2 due to difficulty finding the ideal tyre temperature. The weather’s unpredictable changes, including rain during Q2, intensified these challenges. Ultimately, Leclerc executed a precise out lap, enabling him to maximize tyre performance and secure pole in a remarkably tight field.
“This was not an easy pole as we struggled in Q1 and Q2 to get the tyres in the right window and we were not far off having both our cars out in Q2. Conditions were changing massively, with even some rain in Q2. Then in the end, Charles found the way to put the tyres in the right window and the correct spot on the out lap. It was a mega lap and it’s a very positive performance, seeing that the delta between P10 and P1 is so small.” —Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Vasseur also commented on the narrow margins separating Leclerc from rivals, including Lewis Hamilton, who missed out on Q3 by just 0.015 seconds. The team boss emphasized that Ferrari’s focus must now turn to executing a strong race strategy centered on tyre management to capitalize on their superior race pace compared to qualifying performance.
“Lewis was very close to Charles and failed to make the cut but just 15 thousandths of a second. He will definitely have a tough time in the race. For the race, we must focus on ourselves, have a good strategy and the right approach for the tyres. If we do that, we can have a good one as our race pace is generally stronger than our quali pace.” —Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Leclerc’s pole marks Ferrari’s first P1 starting position of the 2025 season, signaling a potential turning point for the team as they seek their first victory of the year. The driver now shifts his attention to converting this promising position into a race win at the demanding Hungaroring circuit.
Leclerc Shares His Thoughts Following Pole Position Success
Charles Leclerc expressed surprise and satisfaction after clinching the unexpected pole in Hungary, describing the lap as one of the most unexpected of his career. He highlighted the difficult track conditions and how carefully he had to manage his final run to edge out strong competitors, including McLaren’s drivers.
“…In Q3, I knew I needed a clean lap to go for P3, but I never thought it was enough for pole. I’m really happy with my lap and it’s probably the most unexpected pole position of my career.” —Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Driver
Leclerc also credited the entire Ferrari team for their continuous efforts in improving the car through upgrades, underscoring how this pole reflects progress made over the season. He described the pole as a “big boost” for both the team and the race strategy moving forward.
“It’s a big boost for the team. Everyone has been pushing very hard to bring upgrades and take steps in the right direction, so this result shows that we are doing something right.” —Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Driver
Looking ahead to the race, Leclerc acknowledged the importance of a strong start and managing the first corners, aiming to maintain the lead and keep McLaren’s challengers behind him. He emphasized that holding position early in the race will ease the challenge of defending and building on his pole advantage.
“Tomorrow, the start and turn 1 will be key. I will do absolutely everything to keep first place and if we manage to keep the two McLaren behind at that point, it should make our job for the rest of the race a bit easier.” —Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Driver
Hungarian Grand Prix History and Prospects for Race Day
The Hungaroring has historically been a challenging venue for Leclerc, with his best finish prior to this event being fourth place in 2024 while racing for Alfa Romeo. This pole position offers the Monegasque driver a prime opportunity to rewrite his history at the Budapest circuit and aim for a crucial win for both himself and Ferrari.
As Ferrari prepares for race day, the significance of Leclerc’s pole cannot be overstated. It not only boosts the team‘s morale but also emphasizes the need for tactical execution, particularly in tyre management and race pace. Should Ferrari maintain their current momentum and strategy discipline, this Grand Prix could mark a pivotal moment in their 2025 campaign.
