BUDAPEST, Hungary – Following the thrilling race of the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella offered their perspectives on the intense competition between their drivers. The race, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, saw teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri battle side by side for the victory, nearly colliding on the penultimate lap.
Stella, for his part, offered a more detailed analysis of Norris’ victory over Piastri, highlighting McLaren’s policy of allowing its drivers to compete freely. The race strategy, with a one- and two-stop approach, added an extra layer of complexity to the contest. Norris, who initially had a complicated start, saw his alternative strategy become the key to his triumph. Piastri, despite a two-stop strategy that seemed to be the most favorable, was at a disadvantage.“In case anyone hasn’t noticed… it was a good race!”, Brown declared, summing up the excitement of the event.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing
The battle between the McLaren drivers was influenced by the presence of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who started from pole position. McLaren had considered a one-stop strategy before the race, but ultimately opted for a two-stop strategy for Piastri.“You know, when you lose a race by that little, it’s obviously a bit painful, but I’m sure it was entertaining from the outside. It was entertaining from the inside as well, quite a fun race considering everything, but obviously, when you’re on the losing side of that battle, it’s a bit difficult,” commented Piastri.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
Norris’s one-stop strategy, although not preferred, provided him with clean air and the opportunity to exploit the superior performance of the McLaren at Hungaroring. In the final laps, Piastri, with newer tires, dangerously closed in on Norris, generating a moment of high tension that culminated in a failed overtaking attempt. Stella praised the way her drivers handled the situation, highlighting the sportsmanship and mutual respect. The key question is whether this harmony will be maintained during the remaining ten races of the season. Stella, like Brown, reiterated McLaren’s commitment to allowing its drivers to compete at the highest level, prioritizing the spectacle and the development of their talent.“Our base strategy today was a two-stop strategy. We didn’t necessarily think a one-stop was possible, so with Oscar we tried to follow a good two-stop strategy, trying to overtake Leclerc on the first stop,” explained Stella.
Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal
