F1 Hungarian Grand Prix LIVE: Race result and times as Lando Norris gives win to Oscar Piastri

A furious Lando Norris was forced to give up the second Formula One victory of his career after he followed a McLaren team order to allow Oscar Piastri to win a controversial Hungarian Grand Prix.

A mediocre getaway from pole position at the Hungaroring saw Norris drop behind team-mate Piastri. But he was handed an apparent lifeline by McLaren when they pulled him in for his second tyre change two laps earlier than his team-mate.

The undercut propelled Norris into the lead, and he held a five-second advantage over Piastri. However, the Englishman faced a barrage of orders from his race engineer, Will Joseph, to give the place back to Piastri despite his pursuit of Max Verstappen for the world championship.

Norris slowed down on the main straight with three laps remaining to allow Piastri to take the lead. “You don’t need to say anything,” he said over the radio. Norris finished one place clear of Lewis Hamilton, with Charles Leclerc fourth and Verstappen fifth.

Follow live updates from the Hungarian Grand Prix with The Independent

Hungarian Grand Prix

• Lando Norris rages as McLaren team orders gift Hungary GP win to Oscar Piastri

• Piastri celebrates first F1 victory of his career

• Lewis Hamilton collides with Max Verstappen, who finishes fifth

• 1) Piastri 2) Norris 3) Hamilton

Lando Norris rages as McLaren team orders gift Hungary GP win to Oscar Piastri

15:56 , Kieran Jackson

Oscar Piastri claimed his first F1 victory in Hungary in a dramatic ending as Lando Norris eventually succumbed to McLaren team orders.

Norris, who started on pole, lost first place to team-mate Piastri on the first lap and Max Verstappen also overtook the British driver.

While Norris did get second place back from Verstappen, Piastri led the majority of laps before the second set of pit stops – when Norris took the lead from the Australian.

However, McLaren insisted that Norris give first place back to Piastri – yet Norris refused as the chequered flag neared.

But after stern words from his engineer Will Joseph, Norris slowed down and let Piastri pass with four laps to go.

Lando Norris rages as McLaren team orders gift Hungary GP victory to Oscar Piastri

Watch: Lando Norris on the dramatic end to the Hungarian Grand Prix

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oscar Piastri the fifth Australian to secure an F1 victory

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A proud day, then, for Oscar Piastri, despite the late squabbling. He joins Daniel Ricciardo, Mark Webber, Alan Jones and Jack Brabham as an Australian race victor in Formula 1.

Updated Drivers’ Championship standings

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And here is how the action today has impacted the Drivers’ Championship standings.

1. Max Verstappen - 265

2. Lando Norris - 189

3. Charles Leclerc - 162

4. Carlos Sainz - 154

5. Oscar Piastri - 149

6. Lewis Hamilton - 125

7. Sergio Perez - 124

8. George Russell - 116

9. Fernando Alonso - 45

10. Lance Stroll - 24

F1 2024 schedule: Race calendar for record-setting season

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It will be a relatively speedy getaway for those involved in Formula 1 tonight with the travelling circus relocating to Spa this week for next sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix:

F1 2024 schedule: Race calendar for record-setting season

Oscar Piastri reflects on his victory

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I got a good start, just good enough that I could get my nose in on turn one,” Piastri recalls to Sky Sports. “It was strong racing, but I think fair, and that really set me up for the rest of the race. That’s really what won it for me today. We did a lot of things right, and as a team managed it pretty well. Very, very happy with my first win and a one-two for the team.

“I had a lot of trust in the team and Lando. He was fast at the end, that was clear, but the strategies that we went on to meant it was effectively an undercut from him. I think it was a fair decision to swap us back at the end. We discussed a lot last night and this morning about how this race might look, and we were free to race each other as long as we finished one-two. I think that is what we did. A olot of really good planning, a lot of open discussions allow us to have trust in each other.

“I think in Lando’s position, I could understand him wanting to keep it. It’s only natural. From my point of view, I did all the right things in the first part of the race until the final pit stop. The only reason we pitted like that was to cover off different positions. Of course, it’s never the easiest thing to work out, but I think we are all respectful enough to see the reasons why.”

Hungarian Grand Prix result: Full classification

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A McLaren one-two and a 200th podium in Formula 1 for Lewis Hamilton in Hungary:

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella speaks to Sky Sports

16:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“There is an entire approach to racing that we have with our drivers and team - we are all in this trajectory together, none of us can go it alone. That is the message. You have to refresh that message, that’s why we have a meeting every Sunday. We are extremely pleased with our drivers. A one-two is incredible, and for me that’s the story today.

“I don’t know any race driver that will be happy to swap a position when leading a race. That’s not their nature. I would be extremely worried if Lando said so. That’s why we recalled our principles. If we want to be competitive in the championship, for Lando in particular, he will need the support of Oscar and the team.

“The magic is in the team. You just have to help the team realise that they already hold the magic. For Oscar, this is an important milestone in his career. He is learning so rapidly. He needed to learn a bit how to use tyres on a hot day like today, and he did that today because he is improving so rapidly. Oscar is so strong mentally. He’s the youngest and wisest member of our team.”

Oscar Piastri wins the Hungarian Grand Prix

16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Seven different winners in 13 races - this Formula 1 season really is bubbling away nicely.

McLaren’s one-two has cut Red Bull’s lead in the Constructors’ Championship to just 51 points.

Oscar Piastri speaks after securing his first Formula 1 victory

15:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s very, very special. This is the day that I dreamed of as a kid, standing on top of an F1 podium. It was obviously a bit complicated at the end, but thank you to the team for an amazing effort and an amazing car. To have a win together 18 months in is an amazing feeling.

“It’s a beast at a moment. It’s fast in every condition, today we had it under control completely. I don’t know when our last one-two was, but I think it was a long time ago.

“The longer you leave it, the more you get worried. My pace wasn’t what we’d have liked in the last stint, but I was still in position to execute it. I think I’ve still got some things to work on, but I’ll enjoy the win when I can. The team has given me a great car and I’m just trying to do the best job I can.”

And here’s Lando Norris...

15:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“An amazing day for us as a team, that’s the main thing. It’s been a long journey to get to achieving this on merit, and that’s exactly what we did today. Oscar had a good start, got me off the line and controlled the race well. It was coming at some point and he deserved it today.

“The team asked me to [give up the place], so I did it. That’s it. We’ll keep pushing and do more of the same.”

Lewis Hamilton on his third place finish

15:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“A huge congratulations to McLaren on the one-two. That’s my original family, so I’m really happy to see you back up front.

“Ultimately, we didn’t have the pace of the McLarens, or of the Red Bulls, but we were just able to hold on. The battle at the end was a bit hair-raising, but that’s motor racing. I saw Max coming from a long way back and he was able to brake a lot later than me, but he sent it up the inside and I stayed still. I think it was just a racing incident.

“Congratulations to Oscar, he’s been doing a fantastic job. He’s been so consistent, it was only a matter of time before he got a win.”

Oscar Piastri wins the Hungarian Grand Prix

15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of other drivers wander over to congratulate Piastri, who takes a big glug of water. These post-race interviews will be fascinating.

Oscar Piastri wins the Hungarian Grand Prix

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The two McLarens pull in to their podium positions. Oscar Piastri climbs out of his car as the seventh different grand prix winner of the season, taking a handshake from Lando Norris and raising a celebratory finger to the air.

Oscar Piastri wins the Hungarian Grand Prix as McLaren overcome infighting to seal one-two

15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lando Norris follows his teammate home having given up victory. Lewis Hamilton takes third, Charles Leclerc fourth and Max Verstappen, pending a stewards’ enquiry, is in fifth.

Oscar Piastri thanks his team, though he hardly sounds overjoyed at a breakthrough win. “Sorry I made the swap a little more painful that it needed to be,” Piastri says. “But maximum points, it’s a really good weekend”.

OSCAR PIASTRI WINS THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX!

15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lap 70/70

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The finishing straight is Norris’ final chance of closing, but the racing spirit has finally gone for the British driver. A highly successful day for McLaren, but what damage has this infighting done?

Lap 69/70

15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So it will be a McLaren one-two, but crikey have they made this more dramatic than it should have been. Lando Norris threatens the rear of his teammate, making Oscar Piastri sweat a little as he rounds the final few bends of the penultimate lap.

Lap 68/70

15:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

McLaren have finally got through to Lando Norris - he slows on the straight, allowing Oscar Piastri to take first spot and, barring incident or accident, his first Formula 1 race victory.

“You don’t have to say anything,” a spiky Norris immediately chirps on the radio.

Lap 67/70

15:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are smiles in the McLaren garage but the pit wall personnel look rather more concerned.

The stewards have postponed their review of the Max Verstappen/Lewis Hamilton incident until after the race.

Lap 66/70

15:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s now a six second gap between Lando Norris in first and Oscar Piastri in second. Behind. Lewis Hamilton looks secure in third and Charles Leclerc should hold on to fourth.

“The way to win a championship is not by yourself,” McLaren stress. “You are going to need Oscar and you are going to need the team.” Are these comments falling on deaf ears, though?

Lap 65/70

15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Red Bull don’t seem happy at all with Verstappen’s attempt to lay blame at Hamilton’s door. A penalty might well come his way.

McLaren still haven’t resolved their issue, either. Lando Norris continues to present the case for the defence, his team hoping he alters his plea.

Lap 64/70

15:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wow. Lewis Hamilton looks good for third, race control noting the incident with Max Verstappen steaming up the inside. Thankfully, no real damage seems to have been done.

COLLISION BETWEEN VERSTAPPEN AND HAMILTON! Lap 63/70

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Max Verstappen clips Lewis Hamilton’s front wing and slides off the track! Verstappen came down with a bump with his nose thrown up in the air and he’s been passed by Charles Leclerc, with Carlos Sainz in reasonably close attention behind.

Lap 62/70

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Max Verstappen on the outside...no dice, Lewis Hamilton shutting the door by running wide but seemingly within the bounds of legality.

Lap 61/70

15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into the final ten laps, with Max Verstappen about to get within nine tenths of Lewis Hamilton and beginning to search for an overtake of the Mercedes and a podium place.

“Just remember every Sunday morning meeting we have,” McLaren tell Lando Norris at the front of the race.

“Well, tell him to catch up then, please,” is Norris’ snappy retort. Crikey.

Lap 60/70

15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lap 58/70

15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

McLaren are trying to find ways to slow Lando Norris, asking him to manage his tyres. Oscar Piastri is losing time all the while as the brows furrow on the pit wall.

Lap 56/70

15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lando Norris pushes back gently to McLaren, suggesting that he is not totally happy at being asked to cede race victory and, perhaps pertinently, the championship points a win would net him. This could be a fascinating finish, though Oscar Piastri is yet to get close enough to provoke real debate.

Max Verstappenfinally dislodges Charles Leclerc from fourth, using DRS to close and then shimmying up the inside of turn one.

Lap 54/70

15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The worry for McLaren will be Max Verstappen, who is absolutely tearing up the track. Get this swap wrong and McLaren could yet contrive to cede control of the grand prix.

“I’m trying to rescue what is left,” Verstappen roars over Red Bull team radio, again fuming at the race strategy.

Lap 52/70

15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The worry for McLaren will be Max Verstappen, who is absolutely tearing up the track. Get this swap wrong and McLaren could yet contrive to cede control of the grand prix.

Lap 52/70

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oscar Piastri is three and a half seconds back on Lando Norris, with the Australian told that Norris will give him the place when that gap is closed to avoid giving up too much time. Can he close it, though? That’s a pretty sizeable advantage.

Lap 50/70

15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lando Norris is told to “re-establish the order” at his convenience as McLaren seek to secure the one-two. Oscar Piastri almost makes a real error, scuttling through some trackside gravel, but no serious harm is done.

Max Verstappen will pit out of the lead. Out he comes...in fifth.

1 Lando Norris

2 Oscar Piastri

3 Lewis Hamilton

4 Charles Leclerc

5 Max Verstappen

Lap 47/70

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Norris is responding superbly, his out lap outstanding as he closes in on Carlos Sainz.

Oscar Piastri is coming in - he’ll come out behind his teammate. Again, McLaren urge him not to worry about Norris, but that’s easier said than done. The gap between the pair is two and a half seconds or so.

Lap 46/70

15:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Box, box,” McLaren beckon Lando Norris in. The mediums are on quickly, Norris covering Lewis Hamilton with McLaren swiftly allaying any fears Oscar Piastri might develop by assuring the race leader that he is their priority.

Norris has a little more than five seconds on Hamilton, so should be perfectly fine in that role.

Lap 42/70

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lando Norris has been given the freedom to chase Oscar Piastri, though it appears that the Australian has re-found his speed having got his tyres dirty running off the track a little earlier. Lando Norris is about 1.7 seconds back.

Lap 41/70

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another tetchy exchange between Red Bull and the reigning world champion. Mercedes pit, giving Max Verstappen clear road ahead of him, while Charles Leclerc follows Lewis Hamilton in. They’ll have oxygen of their own in which to breathe as they get their tyres up to temperature.

Lap 39/70

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is excellent defensive driving from Lewis Hamilton. Max Verstappen darts left and right, searching for an opening, but none are apparent.

Lap 37/70

14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pierre Gasly has been forced to retire. He’s out of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Lando Norris is just starting to set his sights on Oscar Piastri, lapping quicker than his teammate despite that earlier declaration from McLaren that securing second spot was his priority. Could Piastri have lost a bit of time trying to navigate beyond some back markers?

1 Piastri

2 Norris

3 Hamilton

4 Verstappen

5 Leclerc

6 Sainz

7 Alonso

8 Perez

9 Stroll

10 Russell

Lap 35/70

14:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Drama! Max Verstappen blows by Lewis Hamilton after the Mercedes locks up, but carries way too much speed into a corner, allowing Hamilton to take third spot again.

It prompts another foul-mouthed tirade on the radio from the Dutchman, absolutely incandescent with his car neither braking nor turning as he’d like.

Lap 34/70

14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Everything looks ok,” Sky report of the fortunes of Oscar Piastri, an oasis of calm at the front of the race. The more urgent McLaren chatter appears to be in Lando Norris’ ear, with a few worries about how the Brit is running. Nothing imminently concerning, it would appear.

Lap 33/70

14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lewis Hamilton’s rear end wiggles having slightly overcooked a corner. Max Verstappen is within a second of his regular foe, which is forcing Hamilton to push the pace and the bounds of this track.

Lap 30/70

14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yuki Tsunoda follows Perez for a meeting with the mechanics, leaving George Russell’s Mercedes as the sole vehicle yet to receive a fresh set. Russell hasn’t quite managed to make the inroads he’d have liked having been caught up in a muddled midfield early in the race.

Lap 29/70

14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

29 laps is all that Sergio Perez can manage on hard tyres after that disastrous day yesterday. In he comes for a set of mediums, which means he’ll likely have to pit again later.

Lap 28/70

14:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nico Hulkenberg locks up, allowing Fernando Alonso a chance to overtake, and the German is soon under pressure from Lance Stroll as the Aston Martins pincer him. Hulkenberg holds firm for a lap, but for no longer, the two Astons into 11th and 12th.

Lap 26/70

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Carlos Sainz leapfrogs Yuki Tsunoda, who is the only man in the top 11 on medium tyres. George Russell and Sergio Perez will be next to launch an assault on the RB.

Max Verstappen fumes at Red Bull after Lando Norris incident in Hungary

14:37 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen was angry with his Red Bull team after another incident with Lando Norris at the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Verstappen, starting in third, stormed down the outside of pole-sitter Norris at the start of the race and left the track at turn one.

Norris lost the lead to McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri down the inside but also lost second place, as Verstappen rejoined the track ahead of the British driver.

Norris immediately called over team radio for Verstappen to give the place back but the Dutchman initially refused, insisting he’d been forced off the track by Norris.

Max Verstappen fumes at Red Bull after Lando Norris incident in Hungary

Lap 24/70

14:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Charles Leclerc comes back on to the track ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, Ferrari having executed effectively. Lando Norris, meanwhile, is just starting to put a bit of time back in to Lewis Hamilton.

1 Oscar Piastri, 2 Lando Norris, 3 Lewis Hamilton, 4 Max Verstappen, 5 Charles Leclerc

Lap 21/70

14:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finally, it’s farewell to the medium compounds of Max Verstappen. Three seconds - solid but unspectacular. The Dutchman is nearly seven seconds down on Lewis Hamilton.

Charles Leclerc is the last of the big fish still on those mediums. He leads the Hungarian Grand Prix, though you’d imagine that will be brief.

Lap 20/70

14:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then. Hamilton is flying in the Mercedes with Lando Norris a bit slow to get going post-pit. Still a fair bit of Hungarian track to make up, but the seven-time world champion looks to have real race pace.

Lap 19/70

14:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lando Norris is out comfortably in front of Tsunoda, who is soon swept past by a flying Lewis Hamilton.

Max Verstappen is not a happy bunny. His tyres are falling apart but Red Bull don’t want to bring him in just yet.

Oscar Piastri dips in and out efficiently. He re-emerges a distance in front of his teammate, with the three drivers ahead of the pair all yet to come in. It’s looking better and better for McLaren.

Lap 17/70

14:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lewis Hamilton pits from fourth, Mercedes going early to try and catch out Max Verstappen and Red Bull. It’s quick - can Hamilton gain the time he needs to undercut the Dutchman?

Lando Norris will be in soon, too.

Lap 16/70

14:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

1. Oscar Piastri

2. Lando Norris

3. Max Verstappen

4. Lewis Hamilton

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Carlos Sainz

7. Yuki Tsunoda

8. Valtteri Bottas

9. George Russell

10. Sergio Perez

Lap 15/70

14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lance Stroll finally comes in...and he’s out into 16th! A terrible pit stop from Aston Martin, costing him a second and a half, and having done such a good job on the softs, all that work has been squandered.

Lap 14/70

14:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Christian Horner has a natter with a couple of his Red Bull colleagues. Sergio Perez is in 11th with George Russell just in front, but neither has thus far been able to dislodge Valtteri Bottas in ninth.

“Your race is with Verstappen,” McLaren tell Lando Norris. Hmm. The Brit has been unable to close on his teammate Oscar Piastri, but that feels an early call.

Lap 13/70

14:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lance Stroll ploughs along, those soft tyres costing him about three tenths of a second each lap. That’s not a bad effort at all from the Aston Martin driver, who is some way off Carlos Sainz but not imminently under threat in seventh. This could turn into a really smart play from Aston Martin.

Lap 11/70

14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oscar Piastri has been the iron man of this year’s F1 world tour, completing every lap at every race so far. He’s cutting a calm figure at the moment, extending his advantage to more than three seconds over Lando Norris as he seeks a first grand prix victory.

Lap 9/70

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Max Verstappen was left furious having been ordered to give a place back to Lando Norris by Red Bull:

Lap 8/70

14:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fernando Alonso is next to venture into the pits, Aston Martin the last team to keep their drivers with those soft compounds. Lance Stroll is the only man in the field currently using them.

No changes at the front. Oscar Piastri is sitting pretty, and Lando Norris is keeping Max Verstappen at arm’s length behind his teammate. McLaren will be delighted.

Lap 6/70

14:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

1 Piastri, 2 Norris, 3 Verstappen, 4 Hamilton, 5 Leclerc, 6 Sainz, 7 Alonso, 8 Stroll, 9 Albon, 10 Magnussen

Max Verstappen tries to close on Lando Norris, hoping to take advantage of DRS, but it’s such a tough track to overtake on. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are on soft tyres and holding up those behind them, Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen up four and five places respectively from the start.

Both come in for hard tyres.

Lap 4/70

14:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Red Bull suggest that Max Verstappen should let Lando Norris pass...and reluctantly, the Dutchman acqueieses. Norris is up into second spot behind his teammate.

The stewards quickly conclude no further action is required as Verstappen chunters away on the radio like a grumpy teenager.

Lap 3/70

14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The stewards are investigating Max Verstappen’s move. Nico Hulkenberg, meanwhile, has gone in to the pits and re-emerged at the rear of the field on the hard compound.

Lewis Hamilton is up into fourth, with the two Ferraris behind him.

Lap 2/70

14:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oscar Piastri puts his foot down, already a second and a half in front. He’s got a good shot now of becoming our seventh different winner of the year, you’d say, even at this early juncture.

McLaren are furious at Max Verstappen’s move on Lando Norris, suggesting that he drove off the track deliberately having committed to the outside. Verstappen fires back on team radio that he was forced off.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri takes the lead!

14:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A fast start from Lando Norris, but those behind him get going quickly, too, three cars abreast into turn one. And it’s Oscar Piastri who emerges in front, Max Verstappen forced off the track.

Norris is down into third as Verstappen pinches second place!

LIGHTS OUT!

14:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Hungarian Grand Prix is underway!

F1 Hungarian Grand Prix: Formation lap

14:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out they all head on the formation lap, Lando Norris’ McLaren apparently having been given the all clear. A good start will be key, though, with both teammate Oscar Piastri and an array of quick cars lurking behind the pole-sitter.

A reminder of the starting grid for the Hungarian GP:

13:58 , Kieran Jackson

1) Lando Norris

2) Oscar Piastri

3) Max Verstappen

4) Carlos Sainz

5) Lewis Hamilton

6) Charles Leclerc

7) Fernando Alonso

8) Lance Stroll

9) Daniel Ricciardo

10) Yuki Tsunoda

11) Nico Hulkenberg

12) Valtteri Bottas

13) Alex Albon

14) Logan Sargeant

15) Kevin Magnussen

16) Sergio Perez

17) George Russell

18) Zhou Guanyu

19) Esteban Ocon

Pit lane) Pierre Gasly*

*Gasly, who qualified P20, starts in the pit lane after taking a new battery

Hungarian Grand Prix

13:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Managing tyres will be key with the track temperatures so high.

Hungarian Grand Prix

13:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nervous bite of the lip from Lando Norris, though he does engage in a few bars of “We Will Rock You” as the DJ reaches into his drawer of Queen vinyl. You’d still make our pole starter favourite - but this is an issue he could have done without.

It does look, though, like they’ve solved it in good time.

Hungarian Grand Prix

13:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The drivers have umbrellas up as they stand to attention for the national anthem of Hungary, shielding themselves from the sun rather than fearing rain on a roasting day.

McLaren are still scrambling about trying to figure out that issue with Lando Norris’ car. An engineer smacks on the keys of a laptop, inputting new readings with race start little more than 10 minutes away.

Christian Horner is collared by Martin Brundle on the grid...

13:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“A horrible day for Checo yesterday, but the best way to deal with it is on the track today,” the Red Bull team principal says. “He’s revved up, so hopefully he has a good day. The team have done a great job overnight and the best repayment they can get is some points today. We’re going to give it a go.”

Lando Norris on team radio:

13:40 , Kieran Jackson

“Just confirming, something is definitely not right with the throttle - it’s not how it should be.”

Concern for Lando before the race has even started! Work to do for the McLaren mechanics...

PREVIEW: How 2024 F1 season sparked into life with four teams in contention at Hungarian GP

13:35 , Kieran Jackson

It’s Saturday night in Bahrain, March 2024. Away from the hullabaloo of paddock gossip and the Red Bull soap-opera, the world champions had blown away the field – again – on their more comfortable field of racing tarmac. Max Verstappen stormed home in first, 22 seconds clear of team-mate Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz, in third, was 25 seconds off Verstappen and Charles Leclerc 39 seconds behind in fourth.

Cheeks were puffed out, gloomy faces descended. After a 2023 campaign where Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races, were we really in for another 10 months of ultra-domination? Would more eyeballs be turned away in the absence of any competitive action at the front once more? Could Verstappen, perhaps, be the first driver ever to win every race in a season?

The answer to all the above, at the halfway-stage of this record 24-race campaign, is a reassuring no. Because, after two years, the others have finally got their act together.

Full preview below:

How 2024 F1 season sparked into life with four teams in contention at Hungarian GP

Driver Standings ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix:

13:30 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 255 points

2. Lando Norris - 171 points

3. Charles Leclerc - 150 points

4. Carlos Sainz - 146 points

5. Oscar Piastri - 124 points

6. Sergio Perez - 118 points

7. George Russell - 111 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 110 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 45 points

10. Lance Stroll - 23 points

11. Nico Hulkenberg - 22 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda - 20 points

13. Daniel Ricciardo - 11 points

14. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

15. Pierre Gasly - 6 points

16. Kevin Magnussen - 5 points

17. Alex Albon - 4 points

18. Esteban Ocon - 3 points

19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

20. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

21. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

COMMENT: Why Ralf Schumacher coming out as gay shows F1’s shifting sands – at long last

13:26 , Kieran Jackson

It is a sign of how far Formula One has come in recent years that the news of ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher coming out as gay is no longer a thunderbolt from the blue.

In recent years, the increase in LGBTQ+ representation throughout the sport – whether it be team personnel, F1 staff or members of the media – has seen F1, at long last, move with modern times. Because previously, the overwhelming machismo of the sport would have made Sunday night’s announcement far less palatable to some.

Full piece below:

Why Ralf Schumacher coming out as gay shows F1’s shifting sands – at long last

Driver Parade snaps!

13:24 , Kieran Jackson

F1 Hungarian Grand Prix - race odds!

13:18 , Kieran Jackson

F1 Hungarian Grand Prix - race winner

Lando Norris - 8/13Max Verstappen - 15/8Oscar Piastri - 13/2Lewis Hamilton - 25/1Carlos Sainz - 33/1Charles Leclerc - 50/1Fernando Alonso - 100/1George Russell - 100/1

Odds provided by Betway

Lewis Hamilton on the drivers’ parade:

13:06 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m hoping I can get past the Ferrari, in true pace McLaren are one or two-tenths ahead of us. I think it will be tough. We can’t fight for a win in these conditions.”

Martin Brundle on Ralf Schumacher coming out as gay last weekend:

13:00 , Kieran Jackson

“It is important, we want to be inclusive,” Brundle told Sky Sports.

“I wish Ralf and Etienne the very best in health and happiness. I’ve been in the paddock for a long time, there’s been openly gay people in the paddock. I’ve never sensed a stigma but then I wouldn’t, would I?

“It’s interesting, it is an important thing, Ralf has done a powerful thing. It might be naive utopia on my part but I can’t wait for the day when someone’s sexuality, religion, gender isn’t a problem anymore.”

Constructors’ Championship ahead of the Hungarian GP:

12:48 , Kieran Jackson

1. Red Bull - 373 points

2. Ferrari - 302 points

3. McLaren - 295 points

4. Mercedes - 221 points

5. Aston Martin - 68 points

6. RB - 31 points

7. Haas - 27 points

8. Alpine - 9 points

9. Williams - 4 points

10. Sauber - 0 points

Oscar Piastri after qualifying P2 on Saturday:

12:40 , Kieran Jackson

“Very happy, missed out by two-hundredths, you think of all the things you could have done better! Quali wasn’t easy so to end up with both cars on the front row is a great result.

“The second lap was pretty good, I’m happy with my days work. It’s a long run down into turn one. I want to get into the lead but we have both cars on the front row, we’ll be smart.”

Starting grid for the Hungarian GP:

12:30 , Kieran Jackson

1) Lando Norris

2) Oscar Piastri

3) Max Verstappen

4) Carlos Sainz

5) Lewis Hamilton

6) Charles Leclerc

7) Fernando Alonso

8) Lance Stroll

9) Daniel Ricciardo

10) Yuki Tsunoda

11) Nico Hulkenberg

12) Valtteri Bottas

13) Alex Albon

14) Logan Sargeant

15) Kevin Magnussen

16) Sergio Perez

17) George Russell

18) Zhou Guanyu

19) Esteban Ocon

Pit lane) Pierre Gasly*

*Gasly, who qualified P20, starts in the pit lane after taking a new battery

Jacques Villeneuve: Sergio Perez would not claim a seat at Williams, let alone Red Bull

12:18 , Kieran Jackson

Sergio Perez would not get a seat at Williams right now amid his Red Bull struggles, says former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.

The Mexican driver has endured a torrid few months, scoring just 15 points in his last six appearances, with team boss Christian Horner admitting that the 34-year-old’s form is currently “unsustainable.”

Amid speculation Perez – who only signed a new deal until the end of 2025 a month ago – could be dropped mid-season, the Mexican spun in Q1 and crashed out, leaving him 16^th on the grid for Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

And 1997 world champion Villeneuve, who was highly critical of Daniel Ricciardo last month, insisted in a conversation about Williams’s driver choice for 2025 that Perez should not be on their list.

Full piece below:

Jacques Villeneuve: Sergio Perez would not get a seat at Williams, let alone Red Bull

McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown: ‘Red Bull are scared of Max Verstappen’

12:08 , Kieran Jackson

Zak Brown does not have the time, nor the patience, for chancers. The straight-talking Californian-raised McLaren chief executive is revelling in his team’s ascendancy back to the top of the sport, fighting the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes. But most of all in recent months, Red Bull.

On track, this front-of-the-pack dogfight has mushroomed between three-time world champion Max Verstappen, Red Bull, and one-time race winner Lando Norris, McLaren. The pair, somewhat uniquely within a sport famous for its fierce rivalries, have a close relationship off-track. A friendship and a bond that nosedived three weeks ago in Austria.

Full interview below:

McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown: ‘Red Bull are scared of Max Verstappen’

Lewis Hamilton after qualifying P5 on Saturday:

11:58 , Kieran Jackson

“I came to try and be at the front, we did an OK job. We got the car in a relatively good place but when it’s hot, we’re not fast.

“Session started, we were rapid and then we were slow as it got hot again.”

Daniel Ricciardo eyeing ‘something bigger’ with Sergio Perez’s Red Bull F1 seat in doubt

11:43 , Kieran Jackson

Daniel Ricciardo is targeting a strong showing in the final two races before the summer break with an eye on “something bigger” amid speculation over Sergio Perez’s Red Bull seat.

Fan-favourite Australian driver Ricciardo has picked up 11 points so far this season compared to 20 from RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, though has improved in recent weeks.

Yet amid Perez’s dramatic downturn in form in recent weeks – he finished the last race at Silverstone in 17^th – both Ricciardo and Tsunoda are eyeing a promotion to the Red Bull mothership to partner Max Verstappen.

Ricciardo, when asked about it, insisted he was only focusing on the next two races – in Hungary and Belgium – before the summer break and hinted an impressive showing could mean a shock call-up to Red Bull.

Full quotes below:

Daniel Ricciardo eyeing ‘something bigger’ with Sergio Perez’s Red Bull seat in doubt

Driver Standings ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix:

11:30 , Kieran Jackson

1. Max Verstappen - 255 points

2. Lando Norris - 171 points

3. Charles Leclerc - 150 points

4. Carlos Sainz - 146 points

5. Oscar Piastri - 124 points

6. Sergio Perez - 118 points

7. George Russell - 111 points

8. Lewis Hamilton - 110 points

9. Fernando Alonso - 45 points

10. Lance Stroll - 23 points

11. Nico Hulkenberg - 22 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda - 20 points

13. Daniel Ricciardo - 11 points

14. Oliver Bearman - 6 points

15. Pierre Gasly - 6 points

16. Kevin Magnussen - 5 points

17. Alex Albon - 4 points

18. Esteban Ocon - 3 points

19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points

20. Logan Sargeant - 0 points

21. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points

PREVIEW: How 2024 F1 season sparked into life with four teams in contention at Hungarian GP

11:18 , Kieran Jackson

It’s Saturday night in Bahrain, March 2024. Away from the hullabaloo of paddock gossip and the Red Bull soap-opera, the world champions had blown away the field – again – on their more comfortable field of racing tarmac. Max Verstappen stormed home in first, 22 seconds clear of team-mate Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz, in third, was 25 seconds off Verstappen and Charles Leclerc 39 seconds behind in fourth.

Cheeks were puffed out, gloomy faces descended. After a 2023 campaign where Red Bull won 21 out of 22 races, were we really in for another 10 months of ultra-domination? Would more eyeballs be turned away in the absence of any competitive action at the front once more? Could Verstappen, perhaps, be the first driver ever to win every race in a season?

The answer to all the above, at the halfway-stage of this record 24-race campaign, is a reassuring no. Because, after two years, the others have finally got their act together.

Full preview below:

How 2024 F1 season sparked into life with four teams in contention at Hungarian GP

Max Verstappen after qualifying P3:

11:08 , Kieran Jackson

“I tried, the whole weekend we have been a little bit behind. Tried to make it as close as possible, but just not enough. Bit difficult to pinpoint why that is, P3 is still very close. Just hope tomorrow the car is good in the race, we can follow them.

“I love competition but I’d like to be on top, at the moment I feel like we’re chasing. Bit of a tricky situation I guess.

“The last few races, McLaren have been really really good, today was a lot colder, tomorrow will be a different day - I just hope that that will help us.”

Starting grid for the Hungarian Grand Prix:

10:59 , Kieran Jackson

1) Lando Norris

2) Oscar Piastri

3) Max Verstappen

4) Carlos Sainz

5) Lewis Hamilton

6) Charles Leclerc

7) Fernando Alonso

8) Lance Stroll

9) Daniel Ricciardo

10) Yuki Tsunoda

11) Nico Hulkenberg

12) Valtteri Bottas

13) Alex Albon

14) Logan Sargeant

15) Kevin Magnussen

16) Sergio Perez

17) George Russell

18) Zhou Guanyu

19) Esteban Ocon

20) Pierre Gasly

Lando Norris after claiming pole:

10:54 , Kieran Jackson

“Very happy, a one-two is better to see, congrats to the team.

“We’ve got confidence, we’ve come into the last weekends confident and we have a good car. Great job, improving every weekend, to end up on pole is sweet.

“We’re in the best position for whatever the conditions throw against us. As long as we stay where we are, we’re happy. It’s obvious what the aim is for tomorrow.”

QUALIFYING REPORT: Lando Norris leads McLaren one-two in dramatic Hungarian GP qualifying

10:53 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris saw off McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to claim pole position for Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The British driver executed an impressive lap at the Hungaroring to beat Piastri to top spot by just 0.022 seconds and claim only the third pole of his career – and McLaren’s first front-row lockout in nearly a dozen years.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had to settle for third, 0.046 sec back.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished fourth and British Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton took fifth. In the other Mercedes, George Russell crashed out of qualifying at the first hurdle and is set to start 17th.

Lando Norris leads McLaren one-two in dramatic Hungarian GP qualifying

F1 Hungarian Grand Prix!

10:49 , Kieran Jackson

Good morning and welcome to live coverage of the Hungarian Grand Prix and round 13 of the 2024 season!

Lando Norris starts on pole position, leading a McLaren one-two on the grid with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in third.

Carlos Sainz is in fourth for Ferrari with Lewis Hamilton in fifth. George Russell, meanwhile, starts at the back of the pack with Sergio Perez after both men were knocked out in Q1 yesterday!

What will today bring? Stay here for all the build-up and updates - lights out is at 2pm (BST)!

What is the starting grid?

Saturday 20 July 2024 18:40 , Kieran Jackson

1) Lando Norris

2) Oscar Piastri

3) Max Verstappen

4) Carlos Sainz

5) Lewis Hamilton

6) Charles Leclerc

7) Fernando Alonso

8) Lance Stroll

9) Daniel Ricciardo

10) Yuki Tsunoda

11) Nico Hulkenberg

12) Valtteri Bottas

13) Alex Albon

14) Logan Sargeant

15) Kevin Magnussen

16) Sergio Perez

17) George Russell

18) Zhou Guanyu

19) Esteban Ocon

20) Pierre Gasly

Jacques Villeneuve: Sergio Perez would not claim a seat at Williams, let alone Red Bull

Saturday 20 July 2024 18:10 , Kieran Jackson

Sergio Perez would not get a seat at Williams right now amid his Red Bull struggles, says former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.

The Mexican driver has endured a torrid few months, scoring just 15 points in his last six appearances, with team boss Christian Horner admitting that the 34-year-old’s form is currently “unsustainable.”

Amid speculation Perez – who only signed a new deal until the end of 2025 a month ago – could be dropped mid-season, the Mexican spun in Q1 and crashed out, leaving him 16^th on the grid for Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

And 1997 world champion Villeneuve, who was highly critical of Daniel Ricciardo last month, insisted in a conversation about Williams’s driver choice for 2025 that Perez should not be on their list.

Full piece below:

Jacques Villeneuve: Sergio Perez would not get a seat at Williams, let alone Red Bull

Lando Norris leads McLaren one-two in dramatic Hungarian GP qualifying

Saturday 20 July 2024 17:52 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris saw off McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to claim pole position for Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The British driver executed an impressive lap at the Hungaroring to beat Piastri to top spot by just 0.022 seconds and claim only the third pole of his career – and McLaren’s first front-row lockout in nearly a dozen years.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had to settle for third, 0.046 sec back.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished fourth and British Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton took fifth. In the other Mercedes, George Russell crashed out of qualifying at the first hurdle and is set to start 17th.

Lando Norris leads McLaren one-two in dramatic Hungarian GP qualifying

Here is Lando Norris’ pole-setting lap:

Saturday 20 July 2024 17:38 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton after qualifying P5:

Saturday 20 July 2024 17:25 , Kieran Jackson

“I came to try and be at the front, we did an OK job. We got the car in a relatively good place but when it’s hot, we’re not fast.

“Session started, we were rapid and then we were slow as it got hot again.”

Max Verstappen after qualifying P3:

Saturday 20 July 2024 17:13 , Kieran Jackson

“I tried, the whole weekend we have been a little bit behind. Tried to make it as close as possible, but just not enough. Bit difficult to pinpoint why that is, P3 is still very close. Just hope tomorrow the car is good in the race, we can follow them.

“I love competition but I’d like to be on top, at the moment I feel like we’re chasing. Bit of a tricky situation I guess.

“The last few races, McLaren have been really really good, today was a lot colder, tomorrow will be a different day - I just hope that that will help us.”

Oscar Piastri after qualifying P2:

Saturday 20 July 2024 16:59 , Kieran Jackson

“Very happy, missed out by two-hundredths, you think of all the things you could have done better! Quali wasn’t easy so to end up with both cars on the front row is a great result.

“The second lap was pretty good, I’m happy with my days work. It’s a long run down into turn one. I want to get into the lead but we have both cars on the front row, we’ll be smart.”

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website