Leclerc fastest in first Hungary practice

Charles Leclerc set the pace in first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix, recording a best lap of 1:19.075 in Budapest on Friday. His time was nearly 0.5 seconds quicker than the rest of the field, on a dusty Hungaroring, though he told Ferrari of a “something broke” issue with seven minutes remaining. Max Verstappen was second, 0.484 slower, but faces a potential trip to the stewards for allegedly driving erratically. Lewis Hamilton was third, 0.543 behind Leclerc, and said over the radio his car’s ride felt “pretty bad” with stiffness “too stiff.” Red Bull’s and Mercedes’ rivals were affected by availability: Ferrari’s Kimi Antonelli sat out, while Danish reserve Frederik Vesti drove and finished seventh. Championship leader Antonelli has second-practice return noted, and Mercedes still leads Hamilton by 45 points after 10 rounds.