In a thrilling qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton managed to secure pole position, interrupting Max Verstappen's consecutive poles streak. Verstappen, who had been the favorite going into the session, had to settle for second place, while Lando Norris surprised observers by achieving an impressive third position with his McLaren. The session showcased fierce competition as drivers struggled with the new qualifying format, which penalized laps exceeding track limits, leading to numerous eliminations and reshufflings in the grid setup.

For ‘Checo’ Pérez, this qualifying marked a significant turnaround after two months of disappointing performances which had resulted in missed opportunities to advance past the first rounds of qualifying. Facing numerous difficulties on the circuit coupled with mechanical issues, Pérez's return to Q3 signaled a much-needed improvement in form. His performance was closely watched as he aimed to regain confidence and deliver a strong race performance after a particularly challenging stretch since May.

The introduction of the new qualifying format presented challenges for many drivers, complicating the session significantly. As drivers adapted to the tighter regulations concerning track limits, it became evident that every lap had to be precise to avoid disqualification from competitive timing. The Hungarian GP qualifying thus not only set the stage for an exciting race but also reflected the ongoing evolution of the sport's regulations as teams navigated the delicate balance between speed and compliance with new rules.