Lando Norris has hailed the “perfect” one-stop strategy to clinch McLaren’s 200th F1 victory at 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix.
A bad start saw Norris fall to fifth before he cleared Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso on lap three, but he was forced onto an alternative one-stop strategy after he got stuck behind Mercedes’ George Russell as the top three gambled on a two-stopper.
Norris subsequently executed his one-stop strategy to eventually hold off his teammate, Oscar Piastri to the checkered flag by 0.698 seconds, which meant that his title deficit to the Aussie was reduced to nine points.
His victory also marked McLaren’s 200th win in F1 in fitting fashion as he became the third Brit to clinch a milestone victory for the British constructor after James Hunt (20th win – 1976 Canadian GP) and John Watson (25th win – 1981 British GP).
Speaking to mclaren.com post race, Norris described the milestone victory as “perfect” with an one-two finish.
“The perfect result today. Another 1-2 and I’m really pleased to win the 200th Grand Prix for McLaren. It means a lot to me, and it’s even more rewarding because it was a tough race.”
Norris proceeded to confirm that he had planned a two-stop strategy but quickly switched strategies after his opening lap in what he considered to be “a gamble,” against Piastri, who received praise from the Brit for pushing him in the final laps and now wants more battles between them.
“We weren’t planning on the one-stop at the beginning, but after the first lap it was the only option to challenge the cars around us. I knew our pace was good, even in the first stint behind George, so I knew I could push in clean air.
“It’s always a gamble, but it also requires no mistakes, good laps, good strategy and good pit stops, and that’s what we had today. Credit to Oscar who put up a good charge. I look forward to plenty more of these after the summer break.”
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