Mercedes trump Ferrari as Russell ends Budapest test with record

Antonio Giovinazzi and George Russell took advantage of their runs in top Formula 1 cars to lower the unofficial lap record at the Hungaroring as teams completed a two-day test in Budapest following the Hungarian Grand Prix. As well as a host of young drivers, 2019-spec front wings were also on display.

Ferrari junior Giovinazzi clocked one minute 15.648 seconds on Tuesday, but Formula 2 standings leader Russell - a member of Mercedes' academy - lowered the benchmark to 1:15.575.

Russell's F2 rivals Lando Norris, Artem Markelov, Nicholas Latifi and Sean Galeal were all on show across the test, while GP3 contender Nikita Mazepin was given a chance in the Force India - perhaps prescient given his father has been linked as a potential investor after the team went into administration.

While Russell will take pleasure from his place at the top of the leaderboard, times in tests are rarely reflective on genuine performance as set-ups vary wildly.

Toro Rosso were the busiest team, completing 499 laps across the two days as they also tested the tyre compounds being developed by Pirelli for the 2019 season.

Budapest test results in full:

#BudaTest: done! Here are all the facts and figures from today. pic.twitter.com/L3FWabbaAN — Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) August 1, 2018

Your favourite moment of the day: a gorgeous graphical guide to all of today’s #BudaTest action from day one. We’re back for more tomorrow! #F1 pic.twitter.com/syIUal99HN — Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) July 31, 2018