The Hungaroring's tight and twisty layout produces a start-stop feel for drivers and a few set-up challenges for engineers.
Balance supersedes top speed around the 15-turn, 4.381km track, which is perhaps why Ferrari is performing better on a relative basis, with Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc lining up respectively 5th and 6th on this afternoon's grid.
However, the speed trap readings still highlight the Scuderia's depressing engine woes, with both drivers making up the rear in terms of straightline speed.
Worse, Vettel and Leclerc's velocity down the Hungaroring's straight, at around 304 km/h, is approximately 10km/h slower that the top speed achieved by Ferrari's 2019 chassis/engine combo at the venue.
This year's SF1000 carries more downforce than its 2019 predecessor, but the pathetic straightline momentum registered by the red cars in qualifying spectacularly underscores Ferrari's deficit this season.
At the other end of the spectrum, Racing Point's RP20 contender confirmed, if necessary, the all-round qualities of the controversial "pink Mercedes".
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has made it clear: Formula 1 must rediscover the…
Sergio Perez isn’t taking lightly the suggestion that his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac…
While Aston Martin’s F1 car is currently giving Fernando Alonso some massive engine vibrations and…
For a driver who has spent years bending F1 to his will, Max Verstappen suddenly…
For Carlos Sainz, what was meant to be a strong second season at Williams is…
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has delivered another withering verdict on Formula 1’s 2026 regulations…