Norris dominates in Hungary for his first win of the season

By Razeen Gutta

World champion Lando Norris returned to the top step with a commanding victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, leading home Max Verstappen to secure McLaren’s third straight win at the Hungaroring.

The 26-year-old Brit started from pole but lost the lead on lap one when Oscar Piastri got a better start and Norris ran wide at turn two.

McLaren recovered quickly.

After a frantic opening stint of split tyre strategies, Norris reclaimed control and crossed the line, 15 seconds clear of Verstappen’s Red Bull.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli impressed to take third, extending his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton to 50 points.

Hamilton finished fifth behind Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, after a five-second penalty for pit-lane speeding.

Finishing seventh, George Russell had to recover from an anti-stall start that dropped him to last.

The race was defined by strategy and tyre wear in 31 degree heat. Norris pitted on lap 40 and again under a late virtual safety car, switching to softs and pulling away on fresher rubber.

A McLaren 1-2 looked likely until Piastri retired with gearbox issues mid-race.

“Probably the best pace I’ve ever had,” Norris said on the team radio. “This track is good for us.”

Verstappen, who called it a tough day, was still pleased with second while Antonelli called his podium the “best result” heading into the summer break.

Pictured above: Lando Norris

Source: @lando