Hamilton and Ferrari could opt for alternative strategy after Q1 decision in Hungary

In Q1, Ferrari had already made a strategic decision. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc completed their laps on the medium tyres to secure their places in Q2. However, the Monegasque also had to use the set of soft tyres the team had hoped to save.

As a result, Hamilton is the only driver among the frontrunning teams with a fresh set of soft tyres available instead of a fresh set of mediums for the Hungarian Grand Prix. None of Ferrari's rivals - Mercedes, McLaren or Red Bull Racing - are in the same position.

All four teams also have two new sets of hard tyres at their disposal, making them well placed to follow Pirelli's preferred two-stop strategy: start on the medium tyres before switching to two sets of hards.

According to the Italian manufacturer, a one-stop strategy is also possible if drivers can delay their pit stop until laps 26–32. Using all three tyre compounds is another option, with the longest stint coming on the hard tyres.

Starting on the soft tyres can also give drivers an advantage. Pirelli revealed that, over the distance it takes a car to reach 150 km/h, a driver starting on the soft tyres gains 2.09 metres compared to one starting on the mediums.

The seven-time world champion was disappointed after he received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Oscar Piastri in Q3 on Saturday.

In a post on social media, the British driver wrote: "Sometimes you just can’t catch a break. Another weekend when I’ve been feeling great throughout all the sessions, but then it just falls apart.

"The car has been feeling better and better, and we’ve been competitive all weekend. Tonight, we’ll keep working hard together to give ourselves the best possible chance tomorrow. I always enjoy this track, so keep the faith and send good vibes for the race," he concluded.