Decisive Saturday in F1: see Hungary practice and qualifying times

Saturday, August 2, marks a pivotal day at the Hungary Grand Prix, the 14th round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, with Free Practice 3 at 7:30 AM and qualifying at 11:00 AM (Brasilia time) at the Hungaroring circuit in Budapest. Band, BandSports, and F1TV Pro will broadcast both sessions live, while BandNews FM and Rádio Bandeirantes provide real-time coverage. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber aims for a strong performance after scoring points in recent races, while championship leader Oscar Piastri and runner-up Lando Norris intensify their internal McLaren battle. The 4.381 km technical track, with its slow corners and high aerodynamic demands, makes qualifying crucial, especially with forecasts of light rain that could impact strategies. The session sets the grid for Sunday’s race, the last before the F1 summer break.

Free Practice 3 at 7:30 AM is the final chance for teams to fine-tune setups before qualifying at 11:00 AM. McLaren, leading the Constructors’ Championship, introduced aerodynamic upgrades, while Ferrari and Mercedes test suspension improvements. Bortoleto, in his debut season, emphasized the confidence gained from recent points, aiming for a competitive grid position at Hungaroring.

• Saturday highlights at Hungary GP:
• Free Practice 3 at 7:30 AM, broadcast on BandSports and F1TV Pro.
• Qualifying at 11:00 AM, live on Band, BandSports, and F1TV Pro.
• 46% chance of rain, potentially affecting the grid.
• Gabriel Bortoleto aims to improve his grid position for Sauber.

Qualifying: the key moment at Hungaroring

The Hungary GP qualifying, scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 AM, is a highly anticipated moment, as the Hungaroring’s 14 corners and limited overtaking zones heavily favor the pole-sitter. In 2024, Lando Norris secured pole with a 1:15.227 lap, but Oscar Piastri won the race. Lewis Hamilton, with a record nine poles at the circuit, is a contender, alongside Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who also have strong track records.

The qualifying session, split into Q1, Q2, and Q3, lasts about an hour. Teams will use Pirelli’s softest compounds (C3, C4, C5), prioritizing grip on a track demanding precision in slow corners. Weather forecasts predict 27°C with a chance of rain, potentially forcing last-minute tire and setup adjustments.

• Factors influencing qualifying:
• Technical track with limited overtaking opportunities.
• C3, C4, and C5 tire compounds, ideal for high grip.
• 46% chance of moderate rain.
• Pole position importance: 70% of winners start from P1.

Who will win the battle for pole? ☝️

Don’t miss the qualifying hour at the Hungaroring! ⏰#F1 #HungarianGP @TAGHeuer pic.twitter.com/6NfEss73Gg

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 1, 2025

Free Practice 3: final tweaks before the grid

Free Practice 3, at 7:30 AM on Saturday, is the last chance for teams to test setups before qualifying. Lasting 60 minutes, the session allows fine-tuning of suspension and aerodynamic balance, critical at Hungaroring’s twisty layout. On Friday, Lando Norris topped both practice sessions with times of 1:16.052 and 1:15.624, followed closely by Piastri and Leclerc, signaling early dominance by McLaren and Ferrari.

Gabriel Bortoleto, who finished 19th in Free Practice 1 (1:17.652), will use the session to gain pace and test setups suited for qualifying. Sauber, though not among the frontrunners, relies on the Brazilian’s consistency to leverage the technical track. BandSports and F1TV Pro’s live broadcast offers telemetry data and onboard cameras, letting fans follow every detail of team adjustments.

Gabriel Bortoleto: Brazil’s hope in qualifying

At 21, Gabriel Bortoleto arrives on Saturday aiming to boost his grid position after scoring points in Austria (8th, 4 points) and Belgium (9th, 2 points). The Sauber driver, 19th in the Drivers’ Championship with 6 points, noted that technical circuits like Hungaroring suit his driving style, drawing on his Formula 3 experience.

Leia Tambem

Fórmula 1 muda medição de motores e proíbe brecha técnica da Mercedes no GP de Mônaco

Ferrari chega ao GP de Mônaco de Fórmula 1 com favoritismo para quebrar jejum de vitórias

McLaren revela carro do milésimo GP na F1 com pintura especial para o GP de Mônaco

Sauber introduced minor upgrades focused on traction and stability in slow corners but still struggles against teams like McLaren and Ferrari. Bortoleto stressed that Saturday’s practice will be key to finding the ideal pace and securing a competitive grid spot, especially on a track where starting position is critical.

• Bortoleto’s recent performance:
• Austria GP: 8th place, 4 points.
• Belgium GP: 9th place, 2 points.
• 19th in Drivers’ Championship, with 6 points.
• Targeting a top-15 grid position.

McLaren and Ferrari: battling for the top

McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship with 516 points, driven by Oscar Piastri (266 points) and Lando Norris (250 points). On Saturday, the British team aims to lock in its advantage during qualifying, capitalizing on aerodynamic upgrades tested in practice. Piastri, the 2024 Hungaroring winner, is a pole favorite, but Norris, with consistent Friday times, promises a tight battle.

Ferrari, second in the Constructors’ Championship with 248 points, relies on Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to challenge McLaren. Leclerc, third in Friday’s practice, showed strong pace, while Hamilton, with eight Hungaroring wins, excels in wet conditions. Mercedes, with recent rear suspension upgrades, could also surprise in qualifying.

Support categories: Rafael Câmara chasing the title

Saturday at Hungaroring also features support category action, with Rafael Câmara in Formula 3 as a standout. The Brazilian, leading the championship with 126 points, could clinch the title early if he extends his 28-point lead over Nikola Tsolov to 39 points. The F3 sprint race, set for Saturday at 5:00 AM, will be broadcast on BandSports and F1TV Pro, following Friday’s qualifying.

Formula 2, led by Isack Hadjar, features a sprint race at 9:10 AM, adding to a packed day. The support categories highlight Hungaroring’s role as a stage for emerging talents, with Brazil well-represented by Câmara and Bortoleto.

• Saturday support category schedule:
• Formula 3 Sprint Race: 5:00 AM (BandSports, F1TV Pro).
• Formula 2 Sprint Race: 9:10 AM (BandSports, F1TV Pro).
• Rafael Câmara: F3 leader, eyeing an early title.

How to follow Saturday at the Hungary GP

Saturday’s coverage starts at 7:30 AM with Free Practice 3, live on BandSports, Band.com.br, BandPlay, and F1TV Pro, with narration by Sérgio Maurício and commentary by Reginaldo Leme and Felipe Giaffone. Qualifying at 11:00 AM adds Band (free-to-air TV) to the broadcast lineup. F1TV Pro offers onboard cameras, real-time telemetry, and Portuguese commentary by Rômulo Mendonça, while BandNews FM and Rádio Bandeirantes provide live updates.

For in-depth analysis, Motorsport.com’s YouTube channel airs “Telemetry” after qualifying, featuring debates and interviews. The ge.globo platform covers sessions in real time, offering a second screen with stats and commentary. The diverse platforms ensure fans miss no part of the decisive Saturday.

• Where to watch Saturday’s Hungary GP:
• Free Practice 3: BandSports, Band.com.br, BandPlay, F1TV Pro.
• Qualifying: Band, BandSports, Band.com.br, BandPlay, F1TV Pro.
• Audio coverage: BandNews FM, Rádio Bandeirantes.
• Post-session analysis: Motorsport.com (YouTube), ge.globo.