Norris ends wait for F1 win in Hungary as Antonelli stretches championship lead
McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain steers his car during the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix auto race, at the Hungaroring racetrack in Mogyorod, near Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, July 26, 2026. Credit: AP/Darko Vojinovic
MOGYOROD, Hungary — Lando Norris ended an eight-month wait for a Formula 1 victory with strong pace and a dose of good fortune to win the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.
The defending champion was on pole but lost the lead to his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri when he ran wide at the second corner.
Norris got the lead back after Piastri was delayed by a collision with Carlos Sainz Jr. while lapping the Williams driver, allowing Norris to come out of the pits ahead of his teammate. He cruised to the win from there.
“Car was unbelievable today, well done guys, incredible. We were flying," Norris said. “Nice to be finally able to do it all for you. Feels like it’s been a while."
Piastri then stopped with a broken gearbox, paving the way for Max Verstappen to take second, with Kimi Antonelli third.
Antonelli increases his standings lead with title rivals Lewis Hamilton fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pits and George Russell seventh after a near-stall at the start.
Norris hadn't won a full Grand Prix race since Sao Paulo in November, though he did win a sprint in Miami in May.
McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain steers his car during the third free practice ahead of Sunday's Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix auto race, at the Hungaroring racetrack in Mogyorod, near Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, July 25, 2026. Credit: AP/Darko Vojinovic
Hungary was the last race before the mid-season break. The next race is the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug. 23.
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