Lando Norris claimed his first Grand Prix victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver stated he was ‘better in every sense’ than teammate Oscar Piastri during the race. Piastri, who had led early, retired from the event due to a gearbox issue.
Norris, starting from pole position, was overtaken by Piastri at Turn 2 on the opening lap. Piastri then maintained the lead for a significant portion of the race.
Despite running behind his teammate, Norris consistently demonstrated superior pace. He communicated his frustration to the McLaren pit wall, requesting an earlier pit stop to execute an undercut.
The race dynamic shifted when Piastri made his second pit stop and encountered backmarker Carlos Sainz. Contact with the Williams driver cost Piastri crucial time. Norris, staying out longer, then completed an overcut to take the lead.
Piastri’s challenging afternoon worsened when he retired from the race on lap 56 due to an apparent gearbox failure. He expressed significant frustration regarding the incident with Sainz.
Following his victory, Norris asserted his performance level. He stated, ‘I was just better in every sense in terms of degradation and pace’. Norris also added, ‘We were just on another level today’.
The win marks McLaren’s first Grand Prix victory of the 2026 season. It also represents Norris’s first win as the reigning world champion.
Max Verstappen finished second for Red Bull, 15.1 seconds behind Norris. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the final podium position in third place.
