Oscar Piastri sprung the mother of all shocks to gazump Lando Norris and Max Verstappen to take the lead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
In a stunning move that once again proved the Australian's credentials as a world champion of the future,the 23-year-old held his nerve as he went wheel-to-wheel in a three-way race to the first corner at lights out in Budapest.
Occupying the inside line thanks to his P2 qualifying position in Saturday's shootout,Piastri edged his nose in front of McLaren teammate Norris,forcing the Briton to go wide,which in turn pushed Verstappen off the track.
Verstappen returned to the tarmac in second position and as the Melbournian stretched his legs out in front,Norris and the Dutchman spent the following laps squabbling over the incident - with the Red Bull ace forced to hand it back.
'Max,the incident is under investigation,' said his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase on the team radio. 'Our recommendation is we let this one go and we can talk about it later. If you let Lando past,down to turn one.'
'Why can't they just say what they think?' Verstappen fumed. 'And then we decide.'
Verstappen's afternoon failed to improve,with the Red Bull undercut by Lewis Hamilton in the pits. It meant that the Dutchman had to endure a prolonged pursuit of the Briton around the Hungaroring before eventually passing him,but cost him valuable time adrift of the leading McLarens.
Piastri has enjoyed a strong second season with the Papaya,albeit failing to come away with a maiden Grand Prix victory his drives have been worthy of.
IT'S LIGHTS OUT,AND AWAY WE GO IN HUNGARY 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴
Oscar Piastri takes the lead! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/LiI3PwzEuq
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 21,2024
The Australian was aiming to win his maiden Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon
He looked certain to cruise to a comfortable maiden victory in Hungary,but there were nervy scenes with 22 laps remaining.
McLaren opted to bring Norris into the pits for a second tyre change before Piastri,thereby undercutting the race leader and putting the more experienced driver out in front when the Aussie went for his change.
McLaren then ordered Norris to return the position to his teammate,but changed their stance when Piastri fell early four seconds behind the Brit,confirming that Norris would let him through 'once you [Piastri] get to him.'
Norris,the pole sitter for Sunday's proceedings,expressed full confidence that he could convert his front row start into a win before lights out.
'I am expecting to win,and if I don't it hasn't been a good day,' he said. 'The car is doing well,I am driving well,so it is obvious what the aim is.'
More to follow.
Max VerstappenLando NorrisHungary
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