Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 26
Norris Wins First 2026 Grand Prix in Hungary as Verstappen Takes 2nd, Antonelli Extends Lead to 50
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 26

Norris Wins First 2026 Grand Prix in Hungary as Verstappen Takes 2nd, Antonelli Extends Lead to 50

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 26

Summary

  • Lando Norris delivered McLaren's first win of 2026 in Hungary, his first grand prix victory since Sao Paulo last November, after turning a one-two into a comfortable solo lead.
  • McLaren's decisive moment came at the second stops: Oscar Piastri pitted first to cover Lewis Hamilton, Norris stayed out six more laps and rejoined ahead, then pulled clear before Piastri retired with a gearbox failure on lap 56.
  • Max Verstappen finished second after Red Bull's late soft-tyre gamble paid off, holding off Kimi Antonelli by 3.6 seconds in a closing fight after the virtual safety car.
  • Antonelli still strengthened his title position with third, stretching his championship lead to 50 points over Hamilton and 59 over Mercedes teammate George Russell.
  • Hamilton crossed fourth but a five-second pit-lane speeding penalty dropped him behind Charles Leclerc, capping another costly Ferrari weekend before F1's four-week summer break.

Insights

How much did Hamilton's controversial qualifying penalty secretly dictate the entire strategic outcome of the race?
Did McLaren's pit wall deliberately compromise Piastri's strategy to guarantee Norris the Hungarian Grand Prix victory?
Could McLaren's highly effective new floor upgrade be the ultimate weapon that permanently dethrones Red Bull?