PRACTICE DEBRIEF: A mixed picture after a disrupted day in Budapest – with the potential for some qualifying surprises


The Hungaroring presented the F1 field with both rain and sunshine across Friday of the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, limiting the teams’ data-gathering ahead of qualifying – which will see an intriguing format change – and the race. An uncertain picture then, as we wade into the data.
Ferrari lead the way on short runs
Charles Leclerc was the driver who topped FP2, shading podium-finisher last time out Lando Norris by just 0.015s. That in the bag, Leclerc and team mate Carlos Sainz were cautiously optimistic on Friday evening – although like every team, they had work to do overnight to increase their comfort levels in the SF-23.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
Hamilton shares more about his special Ferrari documents
How long do the F1 drivers’ current deals last?
Lifestyle & CultureWhat have the F1 drivers done during the summer break?
12 stats from a gripping 2025 season so far
UnlockedVerstappen's dramatic first title win as he edged out Hamilton
Tech WeeklyRevisiting the best cars from every decade in F1 history