With Sebastian Vettel having gone 0.8s clear of the field on the first runs in Q3, Hamilton delivered on his final lap to snatch pole position by less than 0.04s as Vettel failed to improve enough with his last effort. Hamilton was shocked to learn of the result afterwards on the team radio, replying with "Was that pole?!" and laughing as his race engineer told him "Yes, we're as surprised as you".
If Germany was the first phase of the Romain Grosjean renaissance, then Hungary looks to be another step in his redemption. The Frenchman has thus far outclassed his experienced teammate Kimi Raikkonen in Budapest, and will start from third on the grid after giving an impressive performance in qualifying.
Nico Rosberg fourth but 0.3s slower than his team-mate. Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen make up the third row but will have a tough job taking points off Vettel at a track known for a lack of overtaking.
P. DRIVER TEAM TIME GAP
1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG 1:19.388
2. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:19.426 + 0.038
3. Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:19.595 + 0.207
4. Nico Rosberg Mercedes AMG 1:19.720 + 0.332
5. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:19.791 + 0.403
6. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus 1:19.851 + 0.463
7. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:19.929 + 0.541
8. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:20.641 + 1.253
9. Sergio Perez McLaren 1:22.398 + 3.010
10. Mark Webber Red Bull no time
Q2 Fastest time: Nico Rosberg 1:19.778 Gap
11. Adrian Sutil Force India 1:20.569 + 0.791
12. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber 1:20.580 + 0.802
13. Jenson Button McLaren 1:20.777 + 0.999
14. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1:21.029 + 1.251
15. Pastor Maldonado Williams 1:21.133 + 1.355
16. Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:21.219 + 1.441
Q1 Fastest tim: Nico Rosberg 1:20.350 Gap
17. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1:21.724 + 1.374
18. Paul di Resta Force India 1:22.043 + 1.693
19. Charles Pic Caterham 1:23.007 + 2.657
20. Giedo van der Garde Caterham 1:23.333 + 2.983
21. Jules Bianchi Marussia 1:23.787 + 3.437
22. Max Chilton Marussia 1:23.997 + 3.647
107% Време: 1:25.974
