Will McLaren Worry About Norris-Piastri Tension After Hungary?

Will McLaren Be Worried About Norris-Piastri Relationship?

Following a dramatic McLaren 1-2 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s intra-team battle has reignited talk of potential tension. Norris’ strategic victory narrowed the championship gap to just nine points, raising questions about how long harmony can last.

Team Perspective: No Worries—Yet

Despite some radio tension and Piastri’s aggressive attempt to challenge Norris late in the race, McLaren management remains pleased rather than concerned.

• CEO Zak Brown called it an “epic finish.”

• Team boss Andrea Stella said it was “firm but fair racing,” adding, “We keep being very proud of our Lando and Oscar racing.”

McLaren’s philosophy is clear: let them race, as long as it’s clean.

Strategy Split Made the Difference

Norris chose a one-stop strategy—unexpected pre-race—but it worked, gaining track position over Piastri, who had fresher tyres in the final stint but couldn’t make the overtake.

The tension was real. Piastri even said over the radio he “didn’t care about Leclerc”—he just wanted to catch Norris.

Still, McLaren allowed both drivers to fight with freedom, and Stella believes it represents the values of McLaren. So for now, no team orders, no panic—just pure racing.

Russell Frustrated Over Contract Power at Mercedes

Piastri locks up as he attempts to pass Norris into Turn One during the closing stages of the Hungarian Grand Prix

With Max Verstappen staying at Red Bull, many assume George Russell will remain with Mercedes. But the Brit isn’t exactly thrilled about the handling of his contract situation.

Russell, managed and employed by Mercedes, says he has “less leverage” and the last six months have not been the most reassuring. Yet he insists, “It’s my job to perform and reduce that risk.”

Team boss Toto Wolff still admires Verstappen, and Kimi Antonelli is waiting in the wings, so Russell’s long-term future could remain uncertain.

Why Was Aston Martin Suddenly Fast Again in Hungary?

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll surprised many by qualifying on the third row—a stark contrast to their back-row start at Spa just a week earlier.

But the reason? Track characteristics.

“We didn’t change the car massively… just the layout suited our car,” Alonso said.

Hungary’s tight, twisty layout plays to Aston’s strength in corners and hides their weakness on straights—unlike Spa, where straight-line speed dominates.

Also:

• Aston reverted to an older-spec floor at Spa, likely a performance hit.

• Alonso executed a one-stop race perfectly, finishing sixth, with Stroll just behind in seventh.

Expect form fluctuation from Aston Martin depending on the track. Monza may hurt them again; Zandvoort and Singapore could offer more hope.

Do Post-Race Investigations Hurt F1’s Credibility?

Some fans were puzzled when the Verstappen-Hamilton Turn 4 incident in Hungary was investigated after the race.

The FIA says this was done to allow both drivers a chance to speak—something teams had asked for after past controversies.

As it turned out:

• Hamilton didn’t show up.

• Verstappen said Hamilton “didn’t really care,” and the stewards agreed: no penalty, no forced-off-track.

While post-race decisions can frustrate fans, this example showed the FIA is aiming for due process and fairness, even if it comes later.