World Champion Norris takes first season victory

British driver Lando Norris claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory of the 2026 season on Sunday, dominating the Hungarian Grand Prix at Hungaroring. Starting from pole position, Norris delivered a commanding performance to secure a relatively comfortable win.

He crossed the finish line ahead of Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Kimi Antonelli, who completed the podium. For the first time this season, a Mercedes driver did not secure pole position. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli started further down the grid in sixth and seventh, respectively, though Antonelli managed to reach the podium.

Norris's teammate, Oscar Piastri, initially challenged for the lead, with both McLarens running at the front in the early stages. Antonelli briefly held the lead while the McLarens pitted. However, Norris demonstrated superior pace and took control of the race around lap 45 of the 70 laps. Piastri attempted to catch his teammate but was forced to retire with 13 laps remaining due to a gearbox failure.

Norris capitalized on a Virtual Safety Car period to make his pit stop, and from that point, his victory was never in doubt. This win in Hungary marks his second consecutive victory at the circuit and secures McLaren's first win of the current season. In the overall standings, Kimi Antonelli leads ahead of Lewis Hamilton.