Mercedes leader Kimi Antonelli faces his toughest challenge yet on Sunday at the Hungaroring. Lewis Hamilton topped Friday’s practice sessions, putting Ferrari firmly in control of the weekend with Charles Leclerc just behind him. The qualifying session runs today at 16:00 local time, with Antonelli’s 45-point championship lead under real pressure.

Antonelli broke through last weekend at Spa after three races without a win. He’s only won once in the last nine rounds — a reminder that dominance can slip fast in Formula 1. Hamilton and Ferrari have momentum. The Hungaroring rewards precision and smooth driving, both areas where Ferrari has been sharp.

Hamilton’s Friday Domination

Lewis Hamilton clocked 1m18.729s in practice, more than a tenth ahead of Leclerc. That’s not a small margin. The gap widened in the second session. Ferrari’s setup appears to suit the circuit’s tight corners and constant direction changes better than Mercedes thought it would. Lando Norris’s McLaren was third but nowhere near the pace leaders.

Antonelli did finish practice sessions in the top three overall, so Mercedes isn’t out of it. But he’ll need a mistake-free qualifying to lock down pole position. One small error on a lap here costs tenths.

Qualifying Strategy

Ferrari’s one weakness all season has been qualifying. They’ve been strong in races but hesitant when it matters most on Saturday. If Leclerc or his teammate can’t convert Friday’s pace into a grid position, Antonelli could slip through. Hamilton’s confidence is high after Friday. He said the car felt right from lap one.

Qualifying starts at 16:00. The race follows Sunday at 15:00 local time.

Hamilton’s Friday pace suggests Ferrari can challenge Antonelli’s championship lead if they execute in qualifying.