Hamilton takes Hungarian pole after Verstappen spin

Hamilton beat championship rival Max Verstappen to pole in Hungary as the Dutchman spun off on his final run.

Lewis Hamilton has taken his first pole position since the closing stages of the 2021 season with a scintillating lap around the Hungaroring.

The Mercedes driver beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 0.194 seconds to secure pole for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 12th round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.

Hamilton's pole is his second of the season and the 109th of his career, moving him to within one of Michael Schumacher's all-time record.

Verstappen, who is 63 points clear of Hamilton in the championship standings, will start alongside the Mercedes driver on the front row.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will start third and fourth respectively, ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton's pole is a major boost for the Mercedes team, who have struggled for pace in recent races. It is also a timely reminder of the seven-time world champion's class.

The race will be held on Sunday, July 23rd, at 2pm local time.