Mercedes on back foot in Hungary after untidy Friday for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

George Russell finished fifth in both sessions, while Kimi Antonelli ended FP2 only P13 after sitting out the opening hour for Mercedes third driver Fred Vesti. At the sharp end, Lewis Hamilton led a Ferrari one-two in FP2, with Charles Leclerc second as the SF-26 set the benchmark over one lap.

Despite ending their Friday nearly a second down on the top time, Mercedes found more encouragement on higher fuel, but their qualifying pace and difficult handling left substantial work before Saturday. 

Russell described a “strange day” on a slippery resurfaced Hungaroring: "It was quite bumpy in places, and we were struggling with the ride. It also had an impact on tyre degradation which was higher than expected.

“Our single lap pace didn't look great, but our long run looked more competitive. The Ferraris look very strong though and they will be hard to beat this weekend. We thought that would be the case coming into the weekend and so it's proved up to this point.

"They are a good step ahead of everyone so we will have to work hard overnight if we are to close that gap," added Russell, who trails Antonelli by fifty points ahead of this weekend in Budapest.

Vesti completed Mercedes’ planned FP1 programme and finished seventh, two places behind Russell. Antonelli returned for FP2 without the benefit of the opening session and immediately struggled to find a stable balance.

The championship leader’s first Soft-tyre attempt was interrupted by Franco Colapinto’s crash and the resulting red flag. Traffic, mistakes and repeated rear locking then prevented Antonelli from producing a representative qualifying lap.

“That was a tricky first day here in Budapest and that was likely true for everyone,” Antonelli explained. “When I got in the cockpit for FP2, I was struggling with the balance. That was more obvious with our single lap work.”

Antonelli was more positive about the race simulations, where Mercedes appeared closer to Ferrari and the rest of the leading group: “The long run was better, and I think we had the tyres in a better window. FP3 will be an important hour so we can hopefully get the car in a better place and try and get ourselves in the fight for pole position.”

Mercedes therefore leave Friday with two contrasting pictures. Their race pace offers hope, but Ferrari’s advantage over one lap makes qualifying the immediate concern.

Antonelli must recover lost track time. Russell needs a calmer day. Unless Mercedes solve both problems overnight, Ferrari are the team to beat in Qualifying on Saturday.
(Reporting by Agnes Carlier from Hungaroring)