Oscar Piastri: Watch the stunning moment McLaren star shocks Lando Norris and Max Verstappen to lead the Hungarian Grand Prix
- Oscar Piastri takes the lead in the Hungarian Grand Prix
- He shocked Lando Norris and Max Verstappen on the first lap
- Piastri wants to win his first Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri caused a real surprise by beating Lando Norris and Max Verstappen to take the lead in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
In a stunning move that proved once again that the Australian is a future world champion, the 23-year-old held his nerve as he raced wheel-to-wheel in a three-way race to the first corner in the dark at Budapest.
Piastri, who occupied the inside line thanks to his second qualifying position in Saturday’s shootout, found himself in front of McLaren team-mate Norris, forcing the Briton to run wide and sending Verstappen off track.
Verstappen rejoined the track in second position and while the Melbourne driver stretched his legs, Norris and the Dutchman sparred over the incident over the following laps, with the Red Bull driver forced to give the ball back.
“Max, the incident is being investigated,” his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase said on team radio. “Our advice is to let it go and talk about it later. If you let Lando pass, go to Turn One.”
‘Why can’t they just say what they think?’ Verstappen fumes. ‘And then we decide.’
Verstappen’s afternoon didn’t improve, with the Red Bull undercut by Lewis Hamilton in the pits. It meant the Dutchman had to endure a lengthy chase from the Briton around the Hungaroring before eventually passing him, but it cost him valuable time behind the leading McLarens.
Piastri had a strong second season with the Papaya, although he failed to take his first Grand Prix victory, despite his performances being well worth it.
Oscar Piastri surprised Lando Norris and Max Verstappen during the Hungarian Grand Prix
The Australian wanted to win his first Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon
He could be the deciding factor this weekend in Hungary, barring an unfortunate turn of events that would throw the race wide open.
Norris, who started from pole position on Sunday, said he was confident he could convert his front-row starting position into a win before the end of the race.
“I expect to win, and if I don’t, it’s not been a good day,” he said. “The car is good, I’m driving well, so it’s clear what the target is.”
More to follow.