(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Lando Norris Claims Thrilling Victory at Hungarian Grand Prix, Narrows Championship Gap
Budapest, August 4, 2025 – In an action-packed Hungarian Grand Prix, Lando Norris delivered a masterclass in strategy and control, claiming McLaren’s 200th Formula 1 victory and narrowing the championship gap to teammate Oscar Piastri to just nine points.
🏆 Norris Triumphs in Tactical Duel
The 25-year-old British driver executed a bold switch to a one-stop strategy, holding off a late charge from Piastri, who was on fresher tyres. Norris crossed the finish line just 0.698 seconds ahead, securing his first win at the Hungaroring in what was the circuit’s 40th anniversary race.
“This wasn’t the plan,” said a delighted Norris. “But switching to a one-stop was the only way back. It was tough—Oscar pushed me all the way.”
👊 Piastri Pushes Hard in McLaren 1-2
Oscar Piastri, last year’s winner at the same venue, gave everything in pursuit of his sixth career win. “Great racing. Lando did a great job,” said the Australian, as McLaren celebrated their fourth straight 1-2 finish, showcasing their dominance in the 2025 season.
🥉 Russell and Mercedes Complete Podium
George Russell of Mercedes secured a solid third place, 22 seconds behind the McLaren duo. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, who started from pole, was left frustrated as Ferrari’s race strategy faltered once again, dropping him to fourth.
💥 Notable Finishers
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🏁 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 5th
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🚗 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 6th
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🏎️ Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 7th
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🔰 Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls rookie) – 8th
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😠 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 9th, after a disappointing run
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👶 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes rookie) – 10th
Notably, Lewis Hamilton could only manage 12th in the second Ferrari, just a day after publicly questioning whether he still deserved a race seat.
🌧️ Weather and Strategy Shake-Up
Overnight rain reset track conditions, leading to cooler temperatures and encouraging teams to consider one-stop strategies. Early race leader Leclerc appeared in control until McLaren executed a clever undercut.
Norris extended his first stint and made a rapid 1.9-second pit stop on lap 31 to switch to hard tyres. Piastri made a second stop on lap 45, giving Norris the lead in a strategic chess match between the teammates.
🔥 Final Laps Full of Drama
In the closing laps, the McLaren drivers were locked in a classic wheel-to-wheel battle. Piastri nearly overtook Norris in Turn One on lap 68 and locked up a lap later. Team radio reminded Piastri to “remember how we go racing,” as tensions ran high.
Meanwhile, Leclerc was overtaken by both McLaren drivers and then lost his podium spot to Russell on lap 63, marking his 15th failed pole-to-win conversion in 16 attempts.
📰 What’s Next?
With McLaren on fire and Norris closing in on Piastri in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, fans are already looking ahead to the next race. Can Norris maintain momentum, or will Piastri bounce back?
