Thanks in part to a team order three laps before the end of the race, the 23-year-old Australian won on Sunday ahead of his team-mate Lando Norris after a controversial pit strategy by the orange racing team. Third place went to Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes at the Hungaroring near Budapest, who benefited from a braking error by Red Bull world champion Max Verstappen. Norris, who is second in the world championship, gave away his second Grand Prix victory after allowing his team-mate to overtake him while in the lead. However, Norris only overtook the long-leading Piastri as a result of a questionable strategy decision by his team.
Hamilton celebrated his 200th podium
The audibly annoyed Verstappen, meanwhile, threw away what he thought was a safe third place when he collided with Hamilton, who was celebrating his 200th podium, in the closing stages. The Dutchman braked too late in the first corner and all four tires left the asphalt. With a bit of luck, the Red Bull car remained functional and Verstappen finished fifth behind Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Sergio Perez, who is currently fighting for his future in the Red Bull cockpit, started the race from 16th place after his qualifying crash and finished seventh after a recovery.
Next weekend, the last Grand Prix before the month-long summer break will take place in Spa-Francorchamps. After the 13th of 24 races of the season, Verstappen leads the World Championship by 76 points ahead of Norris. In the constructors’ championship, McLaren is only 51 points behind Red Bull Racing.
