In a race that saw strategy gambles and fierce wheel-to-wheel battles, Lando Norris delivered a masterclass in race-craft to secure McLaren’s 200th Formula 1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Norris overcame an early setback to claim his 9th career win and 5th victory of the season, narrowing the championship gap to just 9 points heading into the summer break. But it wasn’t easy for the British driver.
How Lando Norris converted his Hungary setback to a strategic masterclass
The race started dramatically for McLaren, with a disappointing start for Lando Norris that saw him drop two positions to P5. Meanwhile, teammate Oscar Piastri held firm in P2, setting the stage for contrasting strategies.
The turning point came when Piastri pitted early for hard tires, committing to a two-stop strategy, while Norris extended his first stint. When Norris finally pitted on Lap 31, he switched to hards with the bold plan to run to the end on a one-stop strategy.
LANDO NORRIS WINS THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX!!
Oscar Piastri was really close at P2, with Russell at P3!#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/ZPnryG1B3R
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) August 3, 2025
“We weren’t planning on the one-stop at the beginning, but after the first lap it was the only option to challenge the cars around us,” Norris revealed in McLaren’s race report. “I knew our pace was good, even in the first stint behind George, so I knew I could push in clean air.”
The gamble paid off. As Leclerc and Piastri made their final stops, Norris took the lead. Piastri, now on fresher tires, mounted a thrilling late charge, overtaking Leclerc easily for P2 and closing rapidly on his teammate. But Norris held firm, crossing the line just over half a second clear to secure a historic victory.
A Milestone 1-2 for McLaren in Budapest
The result marked McLaren‘s fourth consecutive 1-2 finish, cementing their status as championship contenders. Their victory at the Hungaroring also marked McLaren’s 200th Grand Prix win in Formula 1. Team Principal Andrea Stella praised both drivers’ performances:
“While the two-stop strategy was slightly faster in today’s race, Lando was able to deviate to a one-stop due to his track position. This allowed him to do something different to the other drivers and manage the Medium tyre in the first stint and then the Hard tyre very well until the end.”
Norris ⚔️ Piastri: How did they not collide?! 😱#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/Wu3LmlcOwP
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 3, 2025
McLaren now has two legitimate championship contenders. The Hungarian GP proved both drivers have what it takes to win, but only one can ultimately claim the title. Stella’s caution and careful actions reveal the potential difficulties in managing intra-team rivalries.
Norris, celebrating McLaren’s historic milestone, reflected: “The perfect result today. Another 1-2 and I’m really pleased to win the 200th Grand Prix for McLaren. It means a lot to me, and it’s even more rewarding because it was a tough race.”
As the team heads into the summer break, this victory sends a clear message: McLaren is back at the pinnacle of Formula 1. As the current leaders of the Constructor’s Championship, McLaren is ready to claim it all with both drivers at the front for the driver’s title as well. It’s going to be hard for other teams to spoil this papaya party.
