Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jul 24

Hamilton Tops Hungarian GP FP2 at 1:19.585 as Stroll Misses Session After Suspension Failure

Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jul 24

Hamilton Tops Hungarian GP FP2 at 1:19.585 as Stroll Misses Session After Suspension Failure

Q: Will Alonso walk away from Formula 1 if Aston Martin's massive upgrades fail to deliver the missing adrenaline?

Probably not solely because Aston Martin’s Hungary upgrade fails. Alonso has been explicit that his 2027 decision is less about one package or even short-term competitiveness, and more about whether modern F1 still gives him the “adrenaline” and enjoyment he wants. His comments are unusually clear. He has said he feels “fresh,” “motivated” and “fast,” and that he is not looking to leave Aston Martin for another team: “I do have a contract, so I’m not moving.” He also said he has “zero doubts” Aston Martin, with Adrian Newey and Honda, will eventually build a front-running car. That means a disappointing debut for the team’s major Hungary update would not automatically trigger retirement. What could matter is whether the broader direction of the sport changes his feeling. Alonso has complained that the current cars are “not fun to drive” and do not deliver the same sensation from the cockpit. He has framed the issue as a category-level one, not just a team-performance problem. That is the strongest evidence that, if he walks away, it would be because F1 itself no longer gives him enough satisfaction. Aston Martin is also managing expectations. Mike Krack has stressed Hungary is “not a make-or-break weekend,” with the team expecting a learning phase from the new chassis and aero package, while Honda’s upgraded power unit is only due after the summer break. Alonso plans to decide after that break. So the smarter reading is that Hungary is one input, not the decisive trigger.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 24

Lewis Hamilton put Ferrari fastest in second practice with a 1:19.585 lap, edging team-mate Charles Leclerc by 0.135 seconds, with Max Verstappen third.
Ferrari's pace followed Leclerc's quickest time in first practice, though his earlier session ended with a car issue and he later ran wide at Turn 12 in FP2.
Lance Stroll did not return for FP2 after spinning off in FP1 with a rear suspension failure on Aston Martin's heavily upgraded car, leaving mechanics working on the rear end.
Aston Martin had brought 16 upgrades to Hungary and Adrian Newey had called the initial results promising, while saying the failed area was not one of the changed components.
The final race before Formula 1's summer break opened with Ferrari looking strongest, while Mercedes drivers complained of poor balance and Aston Martin's upgrade push faced an early reliability test.