The seven-time world champion finished 0.306secs slower than Leclerc and appeared to struggle with rear-end stability on the evidence of several oversteer snaps

Isack Hadjar provided the only real moment of on-track drama, losing the back end of his car to spin at the last corner, although he was able to get the car stopped comfortably rather than bouncing over the gravel and into the loving embrace of the tyre barriers.

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has lamented a “big, big struggle” with his Formula 1 car’s balance following the first two practice sessions for the Hungarian Grand Prix.