BUDAPEST — Oscar Piastri won his first Formula One race after completing a McLaren one-two with Lando Norris at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Australian driver started second behind pole-sitting Norris and beat him to the first turn to take the lead. Norris got ahead after a pit-stop strategy that favoured him, but he then finally complied with a request by his team to give the lead back to his partner.
“This is the day I dreamed off, standing on the top step of an F1 podium,” Piastri said.
Lewis Hamilton finished third behind the papaya-coloured pair for his record-extending 200th career podium.
Points leader Max Verstappen finished fifth behind Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari and has now gone three races without a victory. Verstappen leads the standings with 265 points to Norris’ 189.
McLaren celebrated the one-two, but the huge victory will also be remembered for the team debate over which driver would finally come out on top.
At first, the team told Piastri that the pit strategy was to ensure Norris could keep Hamilton at bay, while asking Norris to give the place back “at his convenience.”
As the laps ticked by and Norris didn’t budge, McLaren told Piastri that he could get back in front when he caught up with Norris. Finally, the team turned to pleading with Norris just to let Piastri by.
“I know you will do the right thing,” the team told Norris. After a long silence, Norris replied “tell him to catch up then please.”
The tension was building until Norris eased up and allowed Piastri past with two laps go.
Piastri and Norris exchanged a brief handshake while taking off their helmets and after both were congratulated by McLaren staff and other drivers.
Lando had no harsh words before stepping onto the second spot on the winners podium, even though he had come so close to adding to his maiden F1 win in Miami in May.
“An amazing day as a team, that is the main thing. I am so happy. It has been a long journey to achieve this on merit,” Norris said. “Oscar had a good start. (His win) was coming at some point, and he deserved it today.”
In a thrilling race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 rookie Oscar Piastri secured his first ever F1 victory, alongside his teammate Lando Norris in a McLaren one-two finish. The young Australian driver put on a masterful display of skill and determination, holding off the competition to claim the top spot on the podium.
Piastri’s victory is a significant milestone in his burgeoning F1 career, as he becomes the first rookie driver to win a race in his debut season since Max Verstappen in 2016. The 20-year-old driver has been turning heads with his impressive performances throughout the season, and his win at the Hungarian Grand Prix solidifies his status as a rising star in the sport.
Teammate Lando Norris also had a strong showing at the race, finishing in second place to secure McLaren’s first one-two finish since the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix. The British driver has been in top form this season, consistently challenging the frontrunners and proving himself as a force to be reckoned with on the track.
The McLaren team’s performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as they continue to make strides towards becoming a top contender in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. With Piastri and Norris leading the charge, McLaren fans have plenty to be excited about as they look ahead to the rest of the season.
Overall, the Hungarian Grand Prix was a thrilling and action-packed race that showcased the talent and skill of the drivers on the grid. Piastri’s historic victory, alongside Norris’ impressive second-place finish, is sure to be remembered as a standout moment in an already exciting F1 season. As the championship race heats up, fans can expect more thrilling battles and unforgettable moments as the drivers continue to push themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory.