Norris Upholds Team Calm Amid Hungary Orders

Piastri’s maiden F1 win fulfills a dream, as Norris maintains tranquility over Hungary’s contentious team orders.

Oscar Piastri secured his inaugural Formula 1 victory after a race somewhat marred by unnecessary team orders, had McLaren F1 pitted him before Lando Norris. Nonetheless, this did not detract from a splendid day for the Australian, who believed he did everything right.

“It’s very special, I dreamed of this as a child. Things got a bit complicated towards the end, but I positioned myself well at the start. Thanks to the team for crafting a perfect car, we’re really enjoying our time with McLaren. Thanks to them for bringing me into F1, and after these 18 months together, the feeling is incredible,” Piastri remarked, clearly impressed with his vehicle.

“It’s a beast! It’s fast under all conditions, we completely controlled the race, it’s incredible to have performed like this with both cars. I’m incredibly happy for the team and thrilled to have my first win.”

He feared he might not regain the lead until Norris eventually agreed to let him pass: “I was a bit nervous, but the team executed it well, I was in the right position, we had a different strategy. I wasn’t as fast as I wanted to be in the final stint but I had positioned myself correctly.”

Piastri is now keen to win more: “I hope so! I think there are still areas I need to work on, but I will relish this victory. The team has given me a great car and I can only thank them for that. There are more to come.”

When asked about the possibility of repeating this result at Spa in a week, the Australian confirmed that this was the goal for McLaren F1: “I think we’ve proven this year that we can be fast in all conditions and on all tracks. I’m confident we’ll be fast.”

Lando Norris, on the other hand, was visibly frustrated on the radio but maintained composure during his post-race interview. The Brit primarily praised the level at which McLaren is operating this season, and the team’s performances.

“It’s an incredible day for us as a team. I’m very happy, it’s been a long journey to achieve this on merit. That’s what we did today, well done to the team and bravo to Oscar, he got off to a good start, overtook me, and controlled the race. He deserved it,” Norris asserted.

Asked about the team order and his compliance in the final kilometers of the race, he simply stated that he had obeyed: “The team asked me to do it and I did, that’s all.”

Norris applauded his team’s strong position in the constructors’ championship: “Of course, I think we have an incredible team and two strong drivers. There’s still time, today was our day, Spa will be different but we’ll continue to give our all.”

During his interview, the Brit acknowledged that deciding to respect the team order had been tough, but he realized that not doing so would be equally harsh on his teammate.

“It’s always hard when you’re fighting for a victory. A win means a tremendous amount, for both him and me. I tried to put myself in his shoes, and understand his perspective. I realized that it was the right thing to do.”