F1 Hungarian GP LIVE: Qualifying start time, practice updates and results in Budapest

“I don’t want to make any outside comments on how things work for any other team. Antonelli is certainly very fast, but also a very young driver,” Helmut Marko said.

“Strangely enough, we spoke briefly in the hotel at Spa, and he said that he has no confidence in the car. As soon as he pushes, he no longer has control.

“It’s more of a mental thing, and it seems that [with] his car, like ours, it’s very critical to be in the working window. When it does work, it’s much more potent, and of course a driver like Russell does it much more easily. Mercedes, thank goodness, don’t have the luxury of a second team.”

“Fernando Alonso chose to sit out the opening practice session to limit his time in the car as he manages a muscular injury in his back.

“Having undergone further treatment this morning and medically cleared by the FIA, Fernando will be back in the AMR25 alongside Lance Stroll.

“Felipe Drugovich delivered a busy FP1 programme with Lance, collecting important data as the team continues to evaluate recent car updates.”

The Hungaroring, Budapest. Twelve months ago, as it became apparent that McLaren’s 2024 mid-season renaissance was more than just a temporary spike on the performance graph, this is where the first banging of heads occurred between the papaya drivers out on track. Two drivers desperate for victory, which made a quarrel, with neither defined as team No 1, quite the inevitability.

Eventually, Oscar Piastri claimed his first F1 race victory and almost looked embarrassed to celebrate. It only came after Lando Norris reluctantly conceded the lead, as his engineer Will Joseph pleaded with the Brit to follow team orders.

“I’m discussing with the team already the plans, the things that we want to change for next year, so that means that I’m also staying with the team for next year,” Verstappen said on Thursday.

“The thing is always that people are waffling so much throughout the whole season, while the only one that actually can or should speak is not speaking. That’s me.

“And I do that on purpose because it makes no sense to start throwing things around, and actually that should be the same for everyone.

“Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama. But, for me, it’s always been quite clear, and also for next year.”

Turkey is looking to claim a permanent spot back on the F1 calendar and has offered the services of Istanbul Park for 2026 should any country be unable to host their race.

The Turkish Grand Prix first appeared on the sport’s calendar in 2005 for seven iterations, before it was dropped in 2011. However, the race at the popular Istanbul circuit returned in the Covid-hit years of 2020 and 2021.

However, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) have made it known their desire to host a race again. While the 24-race 2026 calendar has already been published, Istanbul could step in if any race – such as the new street track in Madrid, with the race scheduled in September 2026 – is not ready in time.

“As is known, the 2026 calendar has already been announced,” TOSFED president Eren Uclertopragi told Autosport. “Nevertheless, in the event that a race cannot be held for various reasons, we could host the Turkish Grand Prix.”

“They ultimately hold the cards because of the situation we find ourselves in with the sort of management agreement,” Russell said.

“So they’ve had no rush to sign Kimi or I, because we’ve got sort of this longer term overriding deal in place.

“But you know, truth is, I’ve never feared losing my seat, and that’s not even been on the table once this year, even though, of course, you guys like to make a big deal out of it.

“Maybe 12 months ago, I was a bit more anxious and wanting to get something sorted or confirmed for ’26. Maybe six months ago, I felt the same. But now, I’m performing better than ever. I still feel I’ve got more to give.

“I’ve waited so long, and I think now I want to get through this weekend. I want to go on a holiday next week and enjoy the break. And there is no time pressure my side. There is no time pressure from the team’s side. So whenever we come to an agreement, we’ll get it done. But it’s got to be right both ways.”

“I don’t want to make any outside comments on how things work for any other team. Antonelli is certainly very fast, but also a very young driver,” Helmut Marko said.

“Strangely enough, we spoke briefly in the hotel at Spa, and he said that he has no confidence in the car. As soon as he pushes, he no longer has control.

“It’s more of a mental thing, and it seems that [with] his car, like ours, it’s very critical to be in the working window. When it does work, it’s much more potent, and of course a driver like Russell does it much more easily. Mercedes, thank goodness, don’t have the luxury of a second team.”

Lewis Hamilton admits he thinks about the longest run of his career without a grand prix podium, currently at 15 races, “every day”.

Hamilton joked that the poor run does not bother, initially stating “no”, but then admitted the lack of success aggravates him.

“Of course it does,” he added. “I think about it every day.”

“The last god knows how many seasons have been hard in their own way. This one has definitely been the most intense one, I would say, just from a work perspective,” Hamilton said.

“Integrating into a new culture and into a new team. It’s not gone smoothly in all areas, and it’s been a real battle.

“I definitely need to get away and recharge, be around the kids, laugh, let go. I’m sure there’ll be some tears at some point and I think that’s really healthy.”

Lando Norris said it does not matter if he fails to beat Oscar Piastri to the world championship because “in 200 years we will all be dead”.

Norris arrives for the concluding round before Formula One’s three-week summer shutdown 16 points behind McLaren team-mate Piastri in the standings.

The title momentum swung back in Piastri’s favour at last weekend’s rain-hit round in Belgium. Norris started on pole position but allowed Piastri to swoop past in the treacherous conditions.