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Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP

In a pulsating Hungarian Grand Prix filled with on-track battles and heated exchanges, Oscar Piastri, the 23-year-old Australian driver for McLaren, secured his first-ever Formula One victory.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1

The race culminated in a dramatic finish after a tense radio argument between Oscar Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris.

 

Starting from a dominant front-row lockout, the first for McLaren since 2012, the duo initially controlled the race. 

 

However, a series of incidents throughout the Grand Prix shuffled the positions, creating an atmosphere of fluctuating fortunes. Ultimately, team orders came into play, with Norris conceding the lead to Piastri in the closing stages. 

 

This decision, initially met with resistance from Norris, resulted in a remarkable one-two finish for McLaren.

Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1

Piastri crossed the finish line 2.141 seconds ahead of Norris, while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton secured a record-breaking 200th podium finish in third place for Mercedes. The race wasn’t without its share of drama. 

 

A late-race collision between Hamilton and championship leader Max Verstappen saw the Red Bull driver fly off the track. Though Verstappen recovered to finish fifth, he faced a post-race stewards’ inquiry for the incident.

 

For Piastri, the victory was a dream come true. “It’s very special,” he stated, “I dreamt of this as a kid.” While acknowledging the complex team dynamics at the end, he emphasized his strategic positioning throughout the race.

 

Echoing the sentiment, Norris, despite the initial resistance, offered his congratulations to his teammate.

Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1

Race Strategy and Controversy

The Hungarian Grand Prix is known for its tight and twisty Hungaroring circuit, making overtaking difficult. 

 

This often leads to teams relying on pit stop strategies and tire management to gain an advantage. The 2024 race was a prime example, with McLaren opting for a one-two finish through team orders. 

 

This decision, initially contested by Norris, highlights the strategic complexities that can arise within a team during a Grand Prix.

Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1

Verstappen’s Frustration

Max Verstappen’s collision with Hamilton and subsequent investigation by the stewards added another layer of drama to the race. Verstappen, currently leading the championship, undoubtedly felt frustrated by the incident, potentially impacting his race pace and final position.

 

Hamilton’s Milestone

Despite the drama, Lewis Hamilton’s record-breaking 200th podium finish is a significant achievement. 

 

This milestone showcases his consistent performance and longevity in Formula One.

Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1

Oscar Piastri: A Rising Star in Formula One

Oscar Piastri, the young Australian driver who stole the show at the Hungarian Grand Prix, has quickly become a name to watch in Formula One. 

 

Here’s a deeper dive into his impressive journey

 

Piastri’s talent was evident early on. He dominated junior categories, winning the Eurocup Formula Renault in 2019, followed by back-to-back championship victories in FIA Formula 3 (2020) and FIA Formula 2 (2021). 

Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1

This rapid success, especially as a rookie in both F3 and F2, marked him as a future star.

 

Piastri was part of the Alpine Academy driver program for several years. While not racing for them in F1, their support in lower categories undoubtedly played a role in his development. 

 

This period honed his racing skills and prepared him for the demands of the pinnacle of motorsport.

 

In 2023, a contract dispute between Alpine and Piastri led to a dramatic off-season saga. Ultimately, McLaren secured his services, a move that has proven fruitful for both driver and team.

Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1
Piastri claims Maiden F1 victory in dramatic McLaren one-two at Hungarian GP / Photo via F1

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