Oscar Piastri Claims First F1 Victory at Hungarian Grand Prix
In a thrilling turn of events at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, Australian driver Oscar Piastri secured his first Formula One victory, leading a stunning one-two finish for McLaren. Teammate Lando Norris played a pivotal role, ultimately obeying team orders to let Piastri reclaim the lead in the closing laps.
A Tense Battle Between Teammates
Starting from second position behind pole-sitter Norris, Piastri showcased his skill by beating his teammate to the first turn. The early advantage set the stage for an intense intra-team duel. However, a strategic pit stop favored Norris, allowing him to overtake Piastri and take the lead mid-race.
The competition intensified as McLaren issued team orders for Norris to yield the position back to Piastri. Initially resistant, Norris responded to the team’s request by saying, “Tell him to catch up then please.” The standoff created palpable tension within the team and among spectators.
A Dream Realized for Piastri
With just two laps remaining, Norris finally eased off, allowing Piastri to surge ahead and capture the victory. An elated Piastri expressed his joy, stating, “This is the day I dreamed of as a kid, standing on the top step of the podium. A bit complicated at the end, but I put myself in a good position off the start. I had a lot of trust in Lando, and I think it was a fair decision to swap us back at the end.”
The win marks a significant milestone for the 23-year-old Australian rookie, cementing his status as a rising star in the sport.
Hamilton Completes the Podium, Verstappen Falls Behind
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished third, earning his record-extending 200th career podium. Meanwhile, championship leader Max Verstappen ended the race in fifth place behind Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, marking his third consecutive race without a victory. Verstappen maintains his lead in the standings with 265 points, but his advantage has dwindled as Red Bull’s dominance wanes.
McLaren’s Strategic Gamble Pays Off
McLaren’s monumental success at the Hungaroring will be remembered not just for the victory but also for the strategic decisions that led to it. Team principal Andrea Stella reflected on the situation, saying, “I don’t know any driver who, when leading the race, is happy to swap back; that’s not the nature of drivers. That’s why we have to recall our principles… in these battles, Lando will need the support of Oscar and the support of the team.”
The outcome highlights McLaren’s resurgence and adds a new dynamic to the championship race as teams prepare for the next Grand Prix.
Reference(s):
Piastri wins first F1 race as Norris obeys team orders at Hungarian GP
cgtn.com
