Hungarian Grand Prix drama: Norris edges Piastri as Leclerc’s hopes crumble in Budapest showdown

The last stop before Formula 1’s summer break was never going to be quiet. But the Hungarian Grand Prix at the newly revamped Hungaroring went beyond expectations — giving us a fierce McLaren duel, heartbreak for Charles Leclerc, and a feel-good rookie story that will be talked about for months.

McLaren’s Intra Team Fight Lights Up Budapest

It began with Charles Leclerc on pole, poised to take Ferrari’s first win of the season. Oscar Piastri slotted in behind him, while Lando Norris stumbled at the start, losing ground. At that point, few imagined Norris would be the one drinking champagne on the top step.

But McLaren’s gamble on a one-stop strategy flipped the race on its head. While Leclerc and Piastri made two pit stops, Norris conserved tyres and track position. By the closing laps, the papaya cars were running nose-to-tail — and neither driver was willing to give an inch.

Piastri launched multiple attacks on his team-mate, one so close it nearly ended in disaster. The tension in the McLaren garage was palpable. But Norris held firm to claim his fifth win of the season, slashing Piastri’s lead in the championship to just nine points heading into the summer break.

Leclerc’s Pole Turns to Podium Heartbreak

For Leclerc, the weekend was a rollercoaster. His surprise pole on Saturday had Ferrari fans buzzing — a glimmer of hope in an otherwise mixed season. On race day, he led early, controlling the pace. But as the race wore on, the magic faded. First came Piastri, then Norris, then George Russell in the Mercedes.

Worse still, a five-second penalty for erratic driving cost him any hope of a podium. Later, Leclerc revealed the culprit was a chassis issue, not driver error. Still, it was little consolation as he left Budapest “very disappointed” with what might have been.

On the other side of the garage, Lewis Hamilton endured another weekend to forget, qualifying and finishing in 12th. His post-race verdict? “I’m glad it’s over.”

Aston Martin’s best weekend of the year

While the frontrunners fought for glory, Aston Martin quietly delivered their best result of the season. Fernando Alonso finished fifth, Lance Stroll seventh — a massive turnaround after languishing at the back in Belgium just a week earlier.

The points haul bumped Aston Martin to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, a small but vital morale boost heading into the break.

Rookie Bortoleto Continues to Impress

Budapest also belonged to Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian rookie who is quickly making a name for himself. Driving for Kick Sauber, he qualified ahead of Max Verstappen and crossed the line sixth, his best F1 finish yet. His composed racecraft and strategic one-stop drive are making him one of the standout newcomers of 2025.

Hungaroring Gets a Facelift and a Sell Out crowd

This year’s race had a fresh backdrop. The Hungaroring, which has hosted the Grand Prix for nearly 40 years, unveiled a major facelift — expanded garages, upgraded paddock facilities, a stylish rooftop terrace, and a new VIP zone. The modernised venue sold out Sunday’s race, proving Budapest is still one of F1’s crown jewels.

The upgrades will continue into 2026, but for now, the Hungarian Grand Prix has shown that it can deliver drama on and off the track.

Public reaction:

Fans flooded social media praising the McLaren showdown as “the battle of the season,” while Ferrari supporters could only shake their heads at another missed opportunity. For neutral fans, Budapest reminded everyone why F1 is worth the wait every weekend — strategy twists, driver heroics, and just enough chaos to keep the heart racing.

Source:F1

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