The latest episode of The Total Motorsport F1 Show sees host Joe Krishnan joined by Formula 1 journalists Ewan Gale and Brandon Sutton to review a controversial 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, that saw Lando Norris take victory ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, thanks to a superior strategy call.
Piastri looked odds on for victory after racing into the distance alongside Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari, as Norris dropped down the order early on. However, a risky call to go for one stop instead of two paid dividends as the Australian was unable to overtake his championship rival on track.
Elsewhere, the focus shifts to Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton in particular given the seven-time champion’s comments about being ‘useless’ and that indicated that the Scuderia should replace him. Formula 1 teams now have the chance to reset and take stock of the season so far as F1 heads on its annual summer shutdown.
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McLaren Masterclass: Norris Outfoxes Piastri
Hungaroring’s tight twists and strategic traps always have a way of producing surprises, but few could have predicted the tactical shake-up that decided this year’s race. Oscar Piastri seemed poised to convert his qualifying advantage into victory, pulling away early in tandem with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, while Lando Norris found himself boxed in and losing ground after the start.
But McLaren’s pit wall rolled the dice, flipping Norris to a bold one-stop strategy while Piastri and Leclerc stuck to the more traditional two-stop. The gamble paid off. Norris, nursing his tyres and executing his plan with cool precision, emerged ahead as Piastri closed in but never found a way through.
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
As Joe, Ewan, and Brandon break down on the podcast, McLaren’s internal dynamic is now as compelling as the title fight itself. The team’s ninth victory of the season narrows the championship gap, with Norris and Piastri locked in an increasingly tense rivalry that is delivering some of the most captivating battles in recent memory.
Ferrari’s Frustrations and Hamilton’s Honesty
Beyond McLaren’s tactical triumph, the Hungarian Grand Prix provided a window into the rising tensions at Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton, already feeling the strain of a difficult first season in red, did not hold back in his post-race reflections. After qualifying and finishing outside the points at a circuit where he’s won more than any other driver, Hamilton described himself as “useless” and went as far as to suggest Ferrari should “probably change driver.”
Leclerc, too, endured a frustrating race. The Monegasque star faded after his final stop and later clarified that a suspected front wing issue was actually a deeper mechanical problem. Ferrari’s focus now turns to the summer break, with Vasseur pledging a thorough investigation before racing resumes.
With the championship battle heating up and storylines swirling, Formula 1 now enters its mandated summer shutdown. For teams and drivers alike, the break offers a rare moment to pause, recalibrate and regroup. While factories go dark and email servers are locked down, the race for marginal gains continues behind the scenes as engineers and strategists begin laying the groundwork for the season’s final act.
