Piastri, who won last time out in Spa to extend his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to 16 points, highlighted the change of conditions hampering the McLarens during the latter stages of qualifying.

“What?!” Leclerc replied to his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, after being told the result. He laughed to himself afterwards: “Mamma mia. My God!” The bemusement initially hidden by Leclerc’s helmet remained etched on his face after he hopped out of his car and celebrated with his team.

Charles Leclerc took a sensational and surprise pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, as McLaren's dominant pace over the weekend so far evaporated at the climax of Formula 1 qualifying.