Fernando Alonso made a big breakthrough for Aston Martin that weekend as they unveiled their virtually new car, escaping the first session for the first time this season.
Alonso will start 16th, 2.8 seconds off pole, but on relative pace that’s two seconds faster than they’ve managed for a while.
The veteran Spaniard, who turns 45 next week, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I feel a little relieved that the team understands the weaknesses of the car and this is the first step in the right direction.
“At the beginning of the season we made several updates to this car, but it didn’t help. And we come from two years of disappointments in updates. So there is definitely a change in optimism in the plant and I feel optimistic.”
Alonso will have to decide this summer whether to continue his career after this season. He said that while he has no doubt that managing technical partner Adrian Newey will lead the team to success in the future, he is not sure whether it will happen soon enough for him.
“No one should doubt Adrian Newey or our potential at Silverstone. It’s a matter of time before we have the best chassis and it’s a matter of time before Honda has the best engine in Formula 1. The question is when.”
All drivers had to contend with cracks on the Hungaroring circuit, especially in the final two corners where Norris said grip levels were particularly difficult to judge.
Even before the Verstappen incident, Russell suffered a water leak during his last run that sent water onto his rear tires.
Mercedes asked him to stop just after crossing the line, and he parked at the first turn, trying not to damage the engine.
Speaking ahead of the penalty, Antonelli said: “I think we were a little short on the tyres, then in Q3 we made a good step and the car finally felt a little more alive. Of course it was disappointing with the yellow flags, but these things happen. Third place was on the table today, but still not good enough for pole.”