The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix began with an unexpected pole position for Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. He had a stunning qualifying session, surprising many who had seen McLaren dominating the practice sessions. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, had a much more difficult time, qualifying in a disappointing 12th place. Starting alongside Leclerc on the front row was Oscar Piastri. Fans expected Piastri to challenge for the pole position all weekend. Lando Norris, started from third place, with George Russell in fourth.
At the start of the race, Leclerc initially maintained his lead, with Piastri right on his tail. Norris, however, fell back from his starting position, dropping behind Russell in the initial laps. Thus, the race became a strategic battle between the front-runners.
Lando Norris Showcases Pit Stop Perfection
As the laps progressed, Norris and his team made a bold decision to commit to a one-stop strategy. They made a move that diverged from the two-stop plan of his rivals. This required him to meticulously manage his medium tires for a long first stint, which he executed with exceptional skill. His incredibly fast pit stop on lap 31 was perfectly timed. This allowed him to take the lead after the two-stopping cars made their second visits to the pit lane. The final laps were, therefore, a tense affair. Norris had to defend his lead against a charging Piastri on fresher tires. Norris’s defensive driving was flawless, and he held on to secure a dramatic victory by just 0.698 seconds.
Oscar Piastri pitted on lap 18. McLaren executed the pit stop flawlessly, getting him in and out quickly. This move was an attempt to try and gain an advantage over the pole-sitter, Charles Leclerc. The stop was part of Piastri’s planned two-stop strategy, which aimed to use fresh tires to undercut his rivals. Although Leclerc responded by pitting on the following lap, the speed of Piastri’s pit stop kept him right on the Ferrari’s tail.
Lando Norris Heralds Monumental Comeback
Not long ago, McLaren was struggling significantly. In fact, they often battled at the back of the grid due to uncompetitive cars and strategic missteps. Their comeback is a testament to the hard work and dedication behind the scenes. CEO Zak Brown invested in a new car. He undertook a total financial and technical restructuring. Now, with two of the most talented young drivers on the grid in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren is a dominant force, consistently challenging for podiums and race wins. Your cue to never give up!
Lando Norris’s victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix was a monumental moment for McLaren, marking their 200th win in Formula 1.
Alonso and Stroll Shine for Aston Martin – An honorable mention
Alonso recently suffered a back injury, causing him to miss the first practice session. Nevertheless, he qualified an impressive fifth and maintained that position throughout the race. He showcased his trademark race craft and strategic thinking, making his one-stop strategy work to perfection. At one point, he found himself leading a DRS train, expertly managing his pace to keep a pack of cars behind him. This result was particularly sweet for him, as it was his best finish of the year.
Lance Stroll was equally impressive, qualifying sixth and bringing his car home in seventh place. He was in the thick of the action throughout the race. He held off rivals and ensured that Aston Martin secured a double-points finish.
In total, Aston Martin bagged a crucial 16 points from the race. Alonso’s fifth-place finish earned him 10 points, while Stroll’s seventh-place finish secured 6 points. This performance was a massive boost for the team, propelling them from eighth to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship and setting up an intriguing midfield battle for the remainder of the season.
Then vs. Now – The McLaren Teammate Dynamic
The final lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix was a microcosm of the intense rivalry brewing at McLaren. With Lando Norris on worn tires and Oscar Piastri on much fresher rubber, the stage was set for a dramatic showdown. Piastri, closing the gap lap after lap, made a daring lunge on the penultimate lap, but a lock-up prevented him from making the move stick. The final lap saw him pushing to the absolute limit, but Norris, with all his experience, masterfully defended his position, holding on to win by just under seven-tenths of a second. The tension was palpable, and the cameras captured the intense focus of both drivers, each determined to come out on top.
This is a stark contrast to the “Carlando” era of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. When they were teammates, their relationship was famously known for its playful “bromance.” They were a formidable duo, but the team’s position in the midfield meant they were rarely battling for race wins, and their internal competition was healthy and mutually supportive. This dynamic was a key part of McLaren’s resurgence, but it lacked the high-stakes, championship-deciding edge that we see today.
The current rivalry between Norris and Piastri is different because they are no longer just fighting to lead the midfield, they are now fighting for a World Championship. With McLaren’s car being the class of the field, the championship is almost certainly going to be decided between the two of them.
