Lando Norris Ends McLaren's Wait With Hungarian GP Win; Antonelli Extends Title Lead

Published 26 July 2026 · world

Lando Norris Ends McLaren's Wait With Hungarian GP Win; Antonelli Extends Title Lead Published By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 21:32 IST Lando Norris gave

Lando Norris Ends McLaren's Wait With Hungarian GP Win; Antonelli Extends Title Lead Published By, Last Updated: July 26, 2026, 21:32 IST Lando Norris gave McLaren its first win of 2026 at the Hungarian GP, while Kimi Antonelli finished third to extend his Formula 1 championship lead to 50 points. Rapid Read (Credit: AP) Lando Norris claimed McLaren’s first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season with a commanding drive at the Hungarian Grand Prix, while Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli tightened his grip on the drivers’ championship after another composed podium finish. Starting from pole position, Norris converted his advantage into victory at the Hungaroring, securing the 12th win of his Formula 1 career and a second straight triumph at the circuit. His victory came after McLaren looked set for a one-two finish before teammate Oscar Piastri retired with a mechanical issue 14 laps from the chequered flag. Norris Delivers From Pole Although Norris led away from pole, Piastri snatched the lead on the opening lap after starting third.

The Australian looked well placed to challenge for victory until contact with Carlos Sainz’s Williams cost him valuable time. That allowed Norris, who stayed out longer before his second pit stop, to leapfrog his teammate through strategy. Piastri’s race then came to an abrupt end with a mechanical failure, triggering a Virtual Safety Car that further played into Norris’ hands. “My pace today was probably some of the best pace I’ve ever had," Norris said. “The car was beautiful to drive and I felt very confident, so a great race. “I’m just happy to be back and see the number one again." Antonelli Extends Championship Advantage Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second after producing a decisive overtake on Lewis Hamilton following the first round of pit stops. “I didn’t expect to be on the podium today. But we worked hard for it," Verstappen said. “I saw the opportunity. It was my only one.

I just went for it. We’re good on the brakes, so that helped, but it was all under control." Antonelli, who started seventh after serving a three-place grid penalty, recovered brilliantly to finish third and extend his championship lead to 50 points. “It was really hard to overtake so we had to do something with strategy," the Italian said. “Initially we tried to go for the one-stop but they told me the tyre was too much on the limit. “With the Virtual Safety Car the two Ferraris boxed. I knew it would be very hard because I was on hards and they were on softs, but luckily we were able to keep them behind." Hamilton crossed the line fourth but dropped to fifth after receiving a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane, promoting Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc to fourth. George Russell recovered from a disastrous opening lap that dropped him to 19th to finish seventh, remaining third in the championship but now 59 points behind Antonelli.