James Hinchcliffe said Lando Norris would have still captured the Hungarian Grand Prix even after Oscar Piastri’s collision with Carlos Sainz.
Dominant Performance at the Hungaroring
Norris started from pole and, despite his teammate’s early sprint, pulled ahead to secure his first 2026 victory. McLaren’s decision to grant Piastri pit‑stop priority on lap 33 cut Norris’s opportunity to close the gap. While Piastri navigated backmarkers, Williams driver Sainz clipped him, a contact that drew a penalty.
Team Orders Sparks Team Tension
When Norris asked for a pit stop, McLaren warned, “We can’t, I’m afraid.” He countered, “You mean you won’t let me? I’m miles faster.” The team’s intra‑race instructions highlighted how team strategy clashed with individual pace.
Hinchcliffe on Norris’ Supremacy
Reflecting on the race, Hinchcliffe praised Norris’ “unparalleled pace,” noting that even before the collision, Norris had the capacity to perform both over‑and undercuts. “The car was great, the driver exceptional,” he added. He stressed that Norris’ advantage would have enabled a safe overtake within team guidelines, making a loss unlikely.
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