Charles Leclerc: The most unexpected pole position of my career!

      Charles Leclerc posted the best qualifying time for the Hungarian Grand Prix, securing Ferrari's first pole position of the season and the first in Hungary since 2017. For the Monegasque driver, this result was as unexpected as it was for his rivals.

      Lewis Hamilton recorded twelfth place and did not advance to the final qualifying session. After the session, the disappointed seven-time world champion briefly commented on the results, called himself useless, and suggested the team replace the driver.

      Charles Leclerc (1st): "Today I really don’t understand anything about Formula 1. Honestly, the entire qualifying was incredibly challenging. When I say 'incredibly challenging,' I don’t mean it as an exaggeration. It was difficult for me to get into the second part, and then into the final.

      In the final, track conditions changed slightly. Everything became more difficult, and I knew I had to do a good lap to secure third place. But I ended up with pole. I definitely didn’t expect that.

      I felt the grip change on the track. My car is set up for low downforce, and when the first drops of rain started in the second session, I was just hoping it would stop. But no, conditions became more difficult, yet in the end, I start from pole.

      Honestly, I am simply speechless. This is probably my best pole position in my career. Certainly, it’s the most unexpected one.

      The start and the first turn will be key in the race. I have no idea how everything will unfold, but one thing is certain – I will do everything possible to stay in first place. If I succeed, it will make the race noticeably easier."

      Lewis Hamilton (12th): "Every time it’s me [out of the fight], every time. I am useless, completely useless.

      The team has no issues. You saw that the car is on pole. Probably, we need to replace the driver."