McLaren's Thrilling 1-2 Finish: Norris Edges Piastri in Hungarian GP Showdown
Lando Norris narrowly defeated teammate Oscar Piastri in a gripping finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking McLaren's 200th F1 victory.

The Hungarian Grand Prix delivered one of the most exhilarating finishes of the 2025 Formula 1 season, as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren battled fiercely for the top spot. Norris emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, securing his ninth career win and fifth of the season.
A Strategic Masterclass
McLaren's decision to split strategies between their drivers proved pivotal. Norris, who dropped to fifth on the opening lap, opted for a one-stop strategy, while Piastri, starting second, was on a two-stop plan. This tactical divergence set the stage for a nail-biting finale.
The Closing Laps
With fresher tyres, Piastri closed a 10-second gap to just centimeters in the final 20 laps. The race reached its climax on Lap 69 when Piastri attempted a daring move on the inside of Turn 1. Despite narrowly avoiding a collision, he couldn't overtake Norris, who held his ground to claim victory.
Key Moments
- Lap 18: Piastri pits early to undercut Charles Leclerc, who started from pole.
- Lap 30: Norris makes his sole pit stop, committing to the one-stop strategy.
- Lap 51: Piastri passes Leclerc for second place, setting up the final duel with Norris.
- Lap 69: Piastri's aggressive move at Turn 1 falls just short, allowing Norris to retain the lead.
Race Results
Position | Driver | Team | Time |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:20.714 |
2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +0.6 |
3 | George Russell | Mercedes | +21.9 |
4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +42.5 |
5 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | +59 |
Championship Standings
Norris's win narrows the gap to Piastri in the championship standings to just nine points as the F1 season heads into its summer break. The next round will take place in the Netherlands on August 31, promising more high-octane action.
Notable Performances
- George Russell secured third place for Mercedes after a late pass on Leclerc.
- Fernando Alonso delivered a solid performance to finish fifth for Aston Martin.
- Gabriel Bortoleto impressed with a sixth-place finish for Sauber.
McLaren's 1-2 finish not only marked their 200th F1 victory but also solidified their position as serious contenders in the 2025 championship.