Formula 1’s 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix Race Review
Piastri Claims Victory Amidst McLaren Drama
The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring saw Oscar Piastri take a dramatic victory, his first in Formula 1, amidst a controversial intra-team battle with Lando Norris. Lewis Hamilton secured his 200th podium, finishing in third place, adding another milestone to his illustrious career. McLaren’s strategic missteps and Norris’s delayed return of the lead highlighted the intense competition within the team. Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari played crucial roles in this thrilling race, with Max Verstappen expressing visible frustration throughout the Grand Prix Weekend.
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Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying
Lando Norris secured pole position in a dramatic qualifying session that saw wet-dry conditions and two red flags. He narrowly edged out his teammate Oscar Piastri by just 0.022 seconds. Max Verstappen took third for Red Bull, while Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five.
The session was marked by a significant crash involving Yuki Tsunoda, which temporarily halted the proceedings. As the session resumed with over two minutes left, changing weather conditions prevented many drivers from improving their times.
Qualifying Top 10:
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
Hungarian Grand Prix Race Day
Race Start: A Clean Getaway
Norris made a clean getaway at lights out, maintaining his lead into the first corner. Piastri slotted in behind while Verstappen and Hamilton tussled for third. The opening laps saw the field settle into a rhythm, with the McLarens pulling away from the chasing pack.
Mid-Race Drama: Pit Strategy and Safety Cars
The race’s pivotal moments unfolded around the pit stops. McLaren opted for a split strategy, with Norris pitting earlier for fresh rubber. Piastri, on the other hand, extended his first stint, hoping to benefit from a potential safety car. Their gamble paid off when a collision between Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg brought out the safety car, compressing the field.
The Turning Point: Norris’ Decision
As the race resumed, Norris led but on older tires than Piastri. With ten laps remaining, the tension peaked as Norris struggled to maintain his pace. Piastri, sensing an opportunity, closed in rapidly. McLaren ordered Norris to let Piastri pass in a controversial move, citing the tire differential and team strategy.
The Final Laps: Piastri’s Triumph
Piastri seized the moment, overtaking Norris with a decisive move into Turn 1. From there, he controlled the race, crossing the finish line to claim his first-ever Formula 1 victory. Norris finished second, visibly disappointed but gracious in defeat, acknowledging the team’s decision.
Verstappen and Hamilton: The Battle for Third
Behind the McLaren duo, Verstappen and Hamilton engaged in a titanic battle for the final podium spot. Hamilton ultimately prevailed, securing third place after resisting Verstappen’s daring overtaking maneuvers in the closing stages of the race. Verstappen even collided with his British Rival, which luckily wasn’t severe enough to knock the two drivers out of the race.
Post-Race Reactions: Mixed Emotions
The post-race atmosphere in the McLaren garage was a mix of elation and introspection. Piastri celebrated a landmark victory, while Norris reflected on a race where he felt he could have secured the win. Team Principal Andrea Stella defended the call, emphasizing the importance of team strategy and the broader championship picture.
Championship Implications
Piastri’s victory and Norris’ second place significantly bolstered McLaren’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship. Verstappen’s third-place finish kept him firmly in the lead of the Drivers’ Championship, but the resurgent McLarens are now a formidable force, ready to challenge Red Bull’s dominance.
Key Moments
- Piastri’s Victory: Oscar Piastri’s first win in Formula 1 was a significant milestone in his career.
- Norris’s Pole: Lando Norris’s pole position highlighted McLaren’s pace and competitiveness.
- Intra-Team Drama: The strategic battle within McLaren added significant drama to the race’s conclusion.
- Hamilton’s Milestone: Lewis Hamilton’s 200th podium added another record to his illustrious career.
- Verstappen’s Frustrations: Max Verstappen’s visible frustration highlighted his challenges during the race.
The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix showcased strategic brilliance, intra-team drama, and racing prowess. Piastri’s victory and the fierce competition among the top teams made it a race to remember. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling battles. Next, Formula 1 will head to the Belgian Grand Prix from July 26th to 28th, promising more high-octane action.
2024 Hungarian Grand Prix Final Results
| RANK | DRIVER | COUNTRY | TEAM | FASTEST LAP |
| 1 | OSCAR PIASTRI | AUSTRALIA | MCLAREN | |
| 2 | LANDO NORRIS | BRITAIN | MCLAREN | |
| 3 | LEWIS HAMILTON | BRITAIN | MERCEDES | |
| 4 | CHARLES LECLERC | MONACO | FERRARI | |
| 5 | MAX VERSTAPPEN | NETHERLANDS | RED BULL | |
| 6 | CARLOS SAINZ JR | SPAIN | FERRARI | |
| 7 | SERGIO PEREZ | MEXICO | RED BULL | |
| 8 | GEORGE RUSSEL | BRITAIN | MERCEDES | 1:20.305 |
| 9 | YUKI TSUNODA | JAPAN | RB | |
| 10 | LANCE STROLL | CANADA | ASTON MARTIN | |
| 11 | FERNANDO ALONSO | SPAIN | ASTON MARTIN | |
| 12 | DANIEL RICCIARDO | AUSTRALIA | RB | |
| 13 | NIKO HULKENBERG | GERMANY | HAAS | |
| 14 | ALEXANDER ALBON | THAILAND | WILLIAMS | |
| 15 | KEVIN MAGNUSSEN | DENMARK | HAAS | |
| 16 | VALTERRI BOTTAS | FINLAND | SAUBER | |
| 17 | LOGAN SARGEANT | UNITED STATES | WILLIAMS | |
| 18 | ESTEBAN OCON | FRANCE | ALPINE | |
| 19 | ZHOU GUANYU | CHINA | SAUBER | |
| RETIRED | PIERRE GASLY- LAP 33 | FRANCE | ALPINE |
