Lando Norris claimed his first Formula One win of 2026 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, ending McLaren's drought, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished third to extend his advantage.
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Key facts
- Lando Norris won the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole for his and McLaren's first victory of the 2026 season.
- Max Verstappen finished second for Red Bull and championship leader Kimi Antonelli took third from seventh on the grid.
- Oscar Piastri, who had been leading, retired on lap 56 with a gearbox problem.
- Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton took a five-second penalty to finish fifth.
- Antonelli extended his advantage at the top of the drivers' championship.
Lando Norris finally had reason to celebrate after a testing opening to the season, taking his first Formula One win of the year at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The result also ended McLaren’s drought, delivering the team its first victory of 2026 at the Hungaroring.
Norris won from pole with what the Guardian described as an assured and commanding drive once he was in front. Behind him, however, there was plenty of drama and incident across the race.
Max Verstappen claimed second for Red Bull, while Kimi Antonelli put in a strong comeback drive to take third from seventh on the grid. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth, and Lewis Hamilton battled fiercely for all 70 laps but took a five-second penalty to finish fifth.
There was frustration for Norris’s McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, who had been leading before ultimately retiring on lap 56 with a gearbox problem. According to the Guardian, Piastri was left fuming that he had been struck and blocked while trying to lap the backmarker Carlos Sainz in a Williams at a crucial point in the race.
Despite the loss of the victory to a rival, the bigger picture had a familiar feel. The Guardian noted that Antonelli emerged from a weekend that might have been considered damage limitation for the Mercedes driver, having once more extended his advantage at the top of the drivers’ championship.
Conditions were demanding at the circuit, with track temperatures reported at around 50 degrees during the build-up, though a wind was also picking up. The race was described by the BBC as compelling and by the Guardian as incident-packed.
Why it matters
Norris's win ends a frustrating start to the season for both the driver and McLaren, but it does not change the championship picture, where Kimi Antonelli continues to lead. The contrast highlights how consistent points can outweigh individual race wins in a tight title fight.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix?
Lando Norris won the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole, taking his and McLaren's first victory of the 2026 season.
Why did Oscar Piastri not finish the race?
Piastri, who had been leading, retired on lap 56 with a gearbox problem. He was reportedly frustrated at being struck and blocked while trying to lap backmarker Carlos Sainz at a crucial point.
Who leads the drivers' championship after Hungary?
Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' championship and extended his advantage after finishing third, coming from seventh on the grid.
Timeline
- Lando Norris takes F1 Hungarian GP for first victory of season as Piastri retires
The Guardian Sport: World champion wins from pole; Piastri’s gearbox fails Max Verstappen second, Kimi Antonelli third Lando Norris won the Hungarian Grand Prix with an assured drive for McLaren at the Hungaroring, his and the team’s first victory of the year. His run was a commanding performance on
- Lando Norris wins F1 Hungarian GP for first victory of season as Piastri retires
The Guardian Sport: World champion wins from pole; Piastri’s gearbox fails Verstappen second, championship leader Antonelli third Lando Norris finally had reason to celebrate after a testing opening to the season, as McLaren’s defending Formula One world champion took his first win of the year at th
- Norris wins his first grand prix of year in Hungary
BBC Sport: Lando Norris takes his and McLaren's first victory of the year in a compelling Hungarian Grand Prix.
- Lando Norris wins Hungarian Grand Prix for first F1 triumph in 2026
Al Jazeera: Defending champion Norris wins his first race of the year as Verstappen finishes second, and leader Antonelli third.
- F1 Hungarian GP: Lando Norris wins his first race of season to end McLaren’s drought – live
The Guardian Sport: Reining champion ends McLaren drought Share your thoughts with John via email Lando Norris is eating what appears to be rice pudding , doubtless with extra protein protection. It’s hot out there, with Bono saying it’s 50 degrees on track, though there’s also a wind picking up. Ma