Norris beats Hamilton to Hungary pole

Lando Norris took pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday, beating Lewis Hamilton to the top spot in qualifying.

Fernando Alonso made a major breakthrough for Aston Martin on the weekend they debuted their virtually new car, breaking out of the first session for the first time this season. Alonso will start 16th, 2.8 seconds off pole, but that was two seconds faster in relative pace than they had managed for some time. The veteran Spaniard, who turns 45 next week, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I feel relieved a little bit, feeling that the team understood the weaknesses of the car and this is the first step in the right direction." He added that early-season updates didn't work much and that they have come from two years of upgrade disappointments. Alonso is optimistic about the future but faces a decision this summer on whether to continue his career. He expressed full confidence in technical partner Adrian Newey but is unsure if success will come soon enough for him to benefit.

All drivers battled with a deteriorating Hungaroring track surface, especially in the final two corners. Norris noted it was particularly difficult to judge grip levels there. George Russell's final run was compromised by a water leak that sprayed his rear tyres. Mercedes instructed him to pull over immediately after crossing the line; he parked at Turn One to avoid engine damage. Another driver, Antonelli, commented that they were slightly out of the tyre window initially but improved in Q3, making the car feel alive. He lamented the yellow flags affecting his lap, stating that P3 was possible but not enough for pole.