Budapest telemetry: sector breakdown and apex points

An in-depth analysis of qualifying at the Hungaroring. Braking points at Turn 1, the lines through the 4-5 change of direction and acceleration onto the start-finish straight.

Muretto · Redazione tecnica25 July 2026·Hungaroring · FP2

Lap breakdown The minisector map between McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull

Mapping the track into 24 equal-distance minisectors at the Hungaroring shows a clear division of territory. Norris dominates 14 minisectors out of 24, coming out on top in every braking and low-speed acceleration section.

Ferrari take 7 fast sections thanks to good front-end stability, while Verstappen's Red Bull limits the gap to 3 linking sections in the final sector.

Best valid FP2 lap, gap to the leader (soft tyre). The two Ferraris (highlighted) head the order: Hamilton 1:18.729, Leclerc +0.148. Antonelli (13th) without a representative soft lap.

Transient analysis Trail-braking on corner entry to keep the nose at the apex

Brake telemetry highlights Norris's driving technique at Turn 2: the McLaren driver carries brake pressure right up to the inside kerb, transferring load onto the front axle to beat the understeer typical of modern cars.

Each point is a driver: further left is quicker over one lap, further down is quicker on medium race pace. Hamilton's Ferrari (highlighted) is to the left but not at the bottom; Russell and Verstappen are at the bottom despite starting further back over one lap. Only drivers with both measures on mediums.

Stopwatch verdict A pole built on the details in the 90-degree sections

Norris's advantage reflects the perfect harmony between chassis and driving on tracks with a high density of corners, confirming the English car's superiority in qualifying on slow circuits.

Median top speed against 7th gear ratio. The two Mercedes (highlighted) are at the bottom for top speed despite a long gearbox: the ratio does not explain the deficit (Spearman -0.03).