Glitch Costs Norris Lead in Hungarian GP: McLaren’s 1-2 Finish Keeps Championship Hope Alive

McLaren disclosed that a "minor technical issue" hindered Lando Norris' initial performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

McLaren disclosed that a minor issue affecting the acceleration phase hampered Lando Norris' start in the Formula 1 race at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Norris relinquished the front position in the race at the Hungaroring despite starting from the pole spot.

The UK racer was overtaken by his teammate Oscar Piastri, followed by Max Verstappen who managed to pass him from the outside, though he did so off the track.

Norris' slow beginning ultimately cost him the victory in Hungary, conceding it to Piastri.

In a review posted on their official website, McLaren clarified that the issue with Norris' car arose in second gear during the initial phase of the race.

In their words: "Lando's race kick-off was anything but seamless, encountering a minor hiccup as he struggled to shift into second gear from the starting line."

This enabled Verstappen to draft next to him on the left side, on the outer edge of the initial turn.

McLaren secured a first and second place finish, a feat they hadn't achieved since the Italian Grand Prix in 2021.

They are currently trailing Red Bull by a margin of 51 points in the constructors' championship as they head into this weekend's race at Spa-Francorchamps.

McLaren hasn't clinched the constructors’ championship since 1999, but given the recent performance issues of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, the team based in Woking might have a chance this season.

Anticipating the upcoming weekend in Belgium, Piastri is optimistic that McLaren has the capability to be a frontrunner on various circuit layouts.

"In my opinion, absolutely. This season has demonstrated our speed across various circuits and in all kinds of conditions," he expressed during the FIA press conference on Sunday.

"We're consistently at the forefront. Spa hasn't exactly been our favored venue in recent times, yet I'm optimistic about our performance there."

"I believe we've developed a vehicle that's truly versatile, which makes me very optimistic, and I feel the entire team should share this confidence."

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