During Free Practice 2 of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari made a noticeable step forward in performance, yet the gap to McLaren remains significant in two critical phases of the lap. A detailed analysis of the FP2 telemetry data reveals where the differences lie between the two teams.
As confirmed by the results from the second free practice session at the Hungaroring, the McLaren drivers continue to dominate the timing sheets. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri maintained their control at the top, while Charles Leclerc secured the third-fastest time for Ferrari. Although the SF-25 showed progress compared to the opening session, it is still lacking in two key performance areas—braking and mid-corner speed—which stand out when examining the telemetry data from FP2.
Ferrari shows progress after FP1
The telemetry clearly highlights that Ferrari implemented effective setup changes between the first and second practice sessions, addressing several of the key limitations encountered in FP1. A comparison between Charles Leclerc’s fastest laps in both sessions shows significant gains, particularly at the beginning of the second sector.
In the first session, the transitions through Turns 4, 5, and the tight T6-T7 chicane were among the sections where Ferrari was losing the most time compared to McLaren. However, in FP2, the adjustments made to the SF-25 allowed Leclerc to carry noticeably higher speed through these corners, indicating an increase in available lateral grip.
This improvement is also reflected in Leclerc’s throttle application. The Monegasque driver was able to apply the throttle more confidently and with less modulation through the center of Turn 4 and Turn 5. He also navigated the change of direction between the two with full commitment—mirroring the technique Lando Norris had already been executing earlier in the day.
Telemetry anaalysis FP2 Hungary – Norris vs Leclerc (©F1inGenerale)
McLaren remains superior in braking and cornering
Despite Ferrari’s improvement, McLaren retains a clear and measurable advantage over its competitors, especially in qualifying trim. This edge is most evident in two fundamental phases of cornering: braking and mid-corner trajectory—both of which are crucial at the twisty and technical Hungaroring circuit.
Telemetry data reveals that Lando Norris is able to decelerate more efficiently than his rivals. He spends less time on the brake pedal, often delaying his braking point later than others, thereby gaining ground on corner entry. Additionally, he releases the brakes earlier, allowing him to maintain a higher minimum speed through the corner apex. The high aerodynamic load of the McLaren MCL39 supports this driving style, enabling greater lateral speeds without compromising corner exit stability.
This combination of late braking and superior corner speed gives McLaren a significant time advantage, especially in the medium-speed turns that dominate the Hungarian circuit. It is an area where Ferrari, even with its recent setup improvements, still has room to catch up.
Smaller gap in race simulations
However, this performance gap appears to narrow significantly in race trim, as shown by the long-run simulations completed during the practice sessions. Lap times during the extended runs were much closer between the two teams. In race conditions, tyre and fuel management force a more conservative driving approach, especially in the braking and cornering phases, reducing the peak performance advantage McLaren enjoys in qualifying scenarios.
Long run FP2 in Hungary (©F1inGenerale)
With full fuel loads, Ferrari’s race pace was substantially closer to McLaren’s. Although the Scuderia’s drivers displayed slightly less consistency—evidenced by a higher standard deviation in their lap times—they managed to record average and minimum lap times that were competitive with the British team’s performance. This was achieved despite Ferrari running a lower-downforce aerodynamic setup compared to McLaren.
It is worth noting, however, that the tight layout of the Hungaroring severely limits overtaking opportunities, making Saturday’s qualifying session even more critical to securing a strong result on Sunday. While Ferrari may be able to match McLaren’s pace over a race distance, starting positions will likely play a decisive role in the outcome of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Source: f1ingenerale
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