Following an outstanding run of form that saw the McLaren Formula 1 team secure three consecutive double podium finishes, the British outfit is now aiming for a fourth in a row at the upcoming 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. This weekend’s race at the Hungaroring represents the final round before the mid-season break, and both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, remain firmly in the hunt in the World Championship standings. The battle between the two teammates continues to intensify, with just sixteen points separating them. A single mistake could dramatically shift the momentum, making the Hungarian Grand Prix a crucial moment in their internal rivalry and in the broader championship picture.
As the Formula 1 paddock heads to Budapest, the McLaren duo has shared their thoughts and expectations ahead of this pivotal race weekend.
Lando Norris eager to win before the break
British driver Lando Norris, who has been consistently strong this season, expressed his excitement about returning to one of his favorite venues on the F1 calendar. He explained that he is looking forward to visiting Budapest again, a city he finds enjoyable both on and off the track. Norris remarked that the Hungarian fans have always shown great support, and he is eager to see them fill the grandstands once more.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Norris noted that McLaren has enjoyed a fantastic campaign so far, and he is hopeful of ending the first half of the season on a high note. He revealed that he and his race engineers have reviewed the previous weekend in detail and made all the necessary preparations for the unique challenges of the Hungaroring. With confidence in the MCL39 and his own form, Norris declared himself ready to deliver another strong performance in Budapest.
Oscar Piastri draws confidence from recent form and past success in Hungary
Australian driver Oscar Piastri is also entering the weekend in high spirits. In 2024, Piastri claimed his first Formula 1 race victory at the Hungaroring, a memory that remains special to him. However, he was quick to point out that last year’s triumph is now in the past, and his focus is firmly on continuing to build momentum this season.
Piastri stated that he has been pleased with his recent pace and racecraft, particularly during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, where he took a memorable win. The young McLaren driver emphasized his determination to create new positive moments at the same track where his F1 career first truly took off. Eager to keep his form alive and strengthen his position in the championship, Piastri is aiming to end the first half of the season with another top-level performance.
Team Principal Andrea Stella praises McLaren’s progress and eyes a strong finish before summer
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella underlined the importance of the Hungarian Grand Prix as the final effort before the well-deserved summer shutdown. According to Stella, after the double podium result in Belgium, the team immediately shifted focus to the unique demands of the Hungaroring—a twisty, technical track where overtaking is notoriously difficult.
He acknowledged that while the circuit presents specific challenges, the McLaren squad is always on the lookout for opportunities to make gains and continues to prioritize improvements in every area.
Stella expressed gratitude to the entire McLaren workforce for their exceptional commitment over the past few months. He highlighted the team’s success in developing and implementing incremental upgrades across the last three race weekends, resulting in a significantly faster MCL39. He thanked not only the team members but also McLaren’s global fanbase, technical partners, and commercial supporters for their ongoing backing throughout the season.
The McLaren boss concluded by reaffirming the team’s goal for the weekend: to deliver another competitive showing that would allow the team to head into the summer break with positive momentum and confidence heading into the second half of the 2025 Formula 1 championship.
Only time will tell whether McLaren can complete its mission and secure a fourth consecutive double podium finish at the Hungaroring—a venue that could once again prove pivotal in shaping the course of the World Championship.
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