McLaren’s approach to the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix showcased how the team embraces flexible race tactics to maximize opportunities for both its drivers. Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized that the decision to split strategies between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri was a calculated part of their race philosophy. While Norris clinched victory with a one-stop approach, Piastri went for two stops in hopes of gaining an edge, particularly after dropping positions early in the race. Despite fresher tyres, Piastri couldn’t overtake Norris in the final laps, underlining how track position at the Hungaroring often trumps raw pace.
Norris’s decision to extend his first stint came after finding himself behind George Russell, which negatively impacted his tyre performance. However, once Russell and Charles Leclerc made their pit stops, Norris found clear air and committed to a one-stop gamble. Meanwhile, Piastri attempted an undercut on Leclerc but couldn’t make it stick. Though his strategy was faster on paper, it proved ineffective in practice due to limited overtaking opportunities, which left him trailing Norris in the end.
This wasn’t the first time McLaren allowed divergent strategies between its drivers. At the previous round in Belgium, Norris also opted for a different tyre compound to chase down Piastri late in the race. Earlier in the season, the team faced criticism for being too cautious at the Japanese Grand Prix, where they chose not to split their tactics while pursuing Max Verstappen. But in Hungary, the dynamic nature of the race demanded a more adaptive approach, and McLaren was ready to take that leap.
Team boss Stella defended the strategic variance, stating it aligns with McLaren’s core values of fairness and opportunity. He highlighted the importance of allowing both Norris and Piastri the space to showcase their skills without compromising the overall interest of the team. Stella praised the drivers’ understanding of the team’s philosophy, reinforcing that offering different strategies is not about favoritism but about enabling competitive racing under equal terms.
The late-race duel between the McLaren pair saw sparks fly, especially when Piastri locked up into Turn 1 and narrowly avoided contact with Norris. The moment led to a quick radio reminder about maintaining respect and team conduct. Stella downplayed any tension, describing it as hard but respectful racing that aligns with McLaren’s racing principles. He concluded by expressing optimism about the season ahead, noting Ferrari’s strong pace and anticipating more exciting intra-team battles as the campaign continues.
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