Ferrari's Charles Leclerc delivered a stunning upset at the Hungarian Grand Prix, claiming his first pole position of the 2025 season ahead of championship frontrunners Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
The Monegasque driver edged out Piastri by a mere 0.026 seconds, with Norris trailing by 0.041 seconds from pole.
McLaren had been overwhelming favourites after dominating throughout the weekend at the Hungaroring.
Norris topped both Friday sessions while Piastri, who holds a 16-point championship advantage over his teammate, set the pace in final practice before qualifying.
Mario Isola, Director of Pirelli F1, presents Pole position qualifier to Charles Leclerc
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The result marks Ferrari's first pole position this year, breaking McLaren's expected stranglehold on the front row.
Shifting conditions during Q3 proved decisive as McLaren's advantage evaporated. Wind picked up and temperatures dropped, creating difficulties for the championship-leading team who had posted the session's fastest time through Norris's 1:14.980 in Q2.
"The whole qualifying has been extremely difficult and when I say that I'm not exaggerating," Leclerc said. "It was super difficult for us to get to Q2 and Q3."
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Charles Leclerc was lost for words after his shock pole position
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"I knew I had to just do a clean lap to target third. At the end of the day it's pole position and I definitely did not expect that.
"Honestly, I have no words. It's probably one of the best pole positions I've ever had. It's the most unexpected, for sure."
Looking ahead to Sunday's race, the Ferrari driver acknowledged the importance of the opening lap, saying: "The start and Turn One will be key. One thing for sure is that I will do absolutely everything in order to keep that first place."
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Leclerc's Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton's qualifying struggles persisted as the seven-time champion failed to progress beyond Q2, leaving him 12th on the grid.
The British driver's frustration was evident as he exclaimed "Every time, every time" upon learning of his elimination.
Hamilton shielded his face with his gloves whilst walking past television cameras towards the Ferrari garage.
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Lewis Hamilton looked downcast after another disappointing qualifying session
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His early exit appears likely to prolong his podium absence to 14 races, having never previously gone beyond 10 races into a season without a top-three finish.
The 40-year-old has been outpaced by teammate Leclerc in qualifying at 10 of 14 races this campaign.
George Russell secured fourth place for Mercedes, whilst Fernando Alonso marked his 44th birthday week with fifth position, equalling his best qualifying performance this year. Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll claimed sixth.
Max Verstappen could only manage eighth for Red Bull, whilst Yuki Tsunoda suffered his fifth Q1 elimination this season.