Lando Norris reveals McLaren might not win the 2025 Hungarian GP because of how competitive Charles Leclerc has been in the race runs, as the Ferrari begins Sunday’s race from pole position.
The Brit looks to recover from third in the grid if he hopes to close the gap in the championship standings to his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, who starts from second on August 3.
But that might not be such an easy accomplishment with the value of track position at the Hungaroring, which makes overtaking incredibly difficult as Fernando Alonso proved against Lewis Hamilton back in 2021.
Norris reveals this is how McLaren might not win the 2025 Hungarian GP, as they could find themselves beaten for the first time since Canada when George Russell dominated affairs.
“The start here is probably the most important thing and the opening lap,” Norris told Sky Sports F1. “But it’s a long race and there’s meant to be rain as well, so I’m sure that will play a part.
“We can prepare as much as you want but in races like these sometimes you make decisions on the go and make the best of strategy, pit stops and lap one.
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“Charles was not far away on Friday. He has been the closest to us in the last three, four or five races both in qualifying and the races themselves.
“If anyone was going to be ahead today it’s going to be Charles. If anyone is going to make our lives difficult tomorrow it’s also him.”
Norris banking on rain to be the difference maker at 2025 Hungarian GP
Part of the problem with modern Formula 1 racing is that the cars have become so perfected in their braking capabilities and performances that the ability to be later on the brakes results in marginal gains these days.
Combine that with the fact that this generation of car is large, heavy and consequently sluggish, it can be very difficult to make a clean overtake work against a competitor – especially at a narrow but fast track like the Hungaroring.
However, this can change in the rain. Braking distances are increased and this can reward drivers with extra deftness and a feel for the grip in the wet, creating opporunities to make overtakes work.
And with a 20% chance of rain (1 in 5) for Sunday’s Hungarian GP, there could be the chance that the opening of the heavens can make overtaking Leclerc a much simpler job – and it’s something Norris is banking on.
“It depends what the weather is. Like the others said, could be some rain,” Norris told media, including Total-Motorsport.com. “Which normally makes things more interesting.
“But I think we always have, at least in the race, a bit more of an advantage. But our main competitor over the last four, five races has been Charles and it’s been the Ferrari.
“So, if there was anyone else that’s going to be on pole today, it was going to be Charles. And if there’s anyone that’s going to make our life tough tomorrow, it’s going to be the same guy.
So, we’ll see. It’s a long race, things can happen, and hopefully the rain can be on our side maybe.”
