Lewis Hamilton Loses P2 After Qualifying Penalty at Hungarian GP

Lewis Hamilton will lose his second-place starting position for the Hungarian Grand Prix after officials penalized the Ferrari driver for impeding Oscar Piastri during qualifying on July 25, 2026. Lando Norris secured pole position for the race at the Hungaroring, while Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth, according to reporting from the BBC.

Hamilton Penalty for Impeding Oscar Piastri

Stewards issued a penalty to Lewis Hamilton following a qualifying incident where the Ferrari driver blocked McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Sky Sports reports that the decision strips Hamilton of his P2 grid slot, moving him back from the front row.

The Race described the impeding incident as crazy, noting that the move made it likely Hamilton would lose his front-row start. The penalty ensures that the grid will be reshuffled ahead of the race start, removing Hamilton from the immediate pursuit of pole-sitter Lando Norris.

Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying Standings

Lando Norris claimed the top spot in qualifying, beating Hamilton to pole position. While Hamilton initially clocked the second-fastest time, the subsequent penalty alters the official starting order. Kimi Antonelli finished the session in fourth place, according to the BBC.

The session took place at the Hungaroring, with live commentary and timing provided by the BBC throughout the qualifying rounds on July 25, 2026.