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2024 Hungarian F1 Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri wins first F1 race in McLaren one-two with Norris

Oscar Piastri won his first Formula 1 race on Sunday after taking a McLaren two-up with Lando Norris at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old Australian driver started second behind pole-sitting Norris and beat him into the first corner to take the lead. Norris took the lead after a pit stop strategy worked in his favour, but he eventually complied with a request from his team to hand the lead back to his partner.

“This is the day I dreamed of, standing on the top step of a Formula 1 podium,” said Piastri.

Lewis Hamilton finished third behind the papaya-coloured duo, taking his 200th career podium finish.

Points leader Max Verstappen finished fifth behind Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari and has now gone three races without a win. Verstappen leads the standings with 265 points, compared to 189 for Norris.

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McLaren celebrated their first and second victories, but the big win will also be remembered for the team debate over which driver would ultimately win.

Initially, the team told Piastri that the pit strategy was to ensure Norris could keep Hamilton at bay, while Norris was asked to give the spot back “when it suited him”.

As the laps ticked by and Norris remained stationary, McLaren told Piastri that he could get back to the front if he passed Norris. Eventually, the team begged Norris to just let Piastri pass.

“I know you’ll do the right thing,” the team said to Norris. After a long silence, Norris replied, “Then tell him to catch up.”

The tension mounted until Norris eased off the gas and let Piastri pass with two laps to go.

Piastri and Norris briefly shook hands as they removed their helmets and were both congratulated by McLaren personnel and other drivers.

Lando had no harsh words before stepping onto the second podium spot, despite coming very close to equalling his maiden F1 victory in Miami in May.

“A great day as a team, that’s the main thing. I’m so happy. It’s been a long journey to get here on merit,” Norris said. “Oscar had a good start. (His win) was coming, and he deserved it today.”

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