Lando Norris says he was “better in every sense” in Hungarian GP win

Norris turns lost lead into commanding victory

Lando Norris described himself as “just better in every sense” than McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri after converting a difficult opening lap into a resounding Hungarian Grand Prix victory.

Norris started from pole after beating Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds, but surrendered the lead immediately. He slid on the dirty outside line at Hamilton corner, allowing Piastri to move ahead. That mistake, however, did little to alter the underlying competitive picture.

Norris remained within two seconds of the sister McLaren for the first 33 laps. Although he could not create a credible overtaking opportunity, his pace remained strong enough to keep the strategic battle alive. McLaren’s “papaya rules” then became central to the race.

Strategy reshapes the McLaren fight

Norris wanted to pit for new tyres and clear air, but the team gave race leader Piastri priority. The Australian stopped first, only to lose time behind several backmarkers. His problems worsened when he collided with Carlos Sainz, while Norris emerged ahead after completing his own stop.

With tyres six laps fresher, Norris quickly established control. He pulled 13 seconds clear of Piastri over the next 15 laps before a suspected gearbox failure forced the Australian to retire. Norris ultimately won by 15 seconds from Max Verstappen.

The result also ended Norris’ longest winless run since the 2023 season: 12 rounds stretching back to his victory at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix. He remains fifth in the drivers’ championship, 91 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli.

Norris confident before Piastri’s retirement

Norris said the car was sometimes “horrible to drive”, but insisted its speed was the decisive factor. “I’d rather have a horrible but quick car than anything else,” he explained, highlighting the pace he maintained even while running behind Piastri.

He believed victory was achievable regardless of whether McLaren boxed him first or committed to a longer opening stint. “I was convinced I could win the race today, and we did,” Norris said.

The McLaren driver also acknowledged that the team’s strategy restrictions were intended to protect both cars. With Verstappen still within three or four seconds while Norris followed Piastri, he argued that an undercut could have offered a stronger winning opportunity, but accepted the team’s decision not to risk damaging both races.

The strategic battle and Piastri’s retirement ultimately shaped the result, but Norris’ sustained pace established the foundation for McLaren’s victory. For a closer look at the decisive phase of the race, read how six laps and a wind change won Norris the Hungarian Grand Prix.