Lando Norris claims it was ‘tough’ to give back race lead to Oscar Pastri at Hungarian GP

Lando Norris admitted that it was hard for him to give the race lead to teammate Oscar Piastri at the Hungarian GP.

Lando Norris claims it was ‘tough’ to give back race lead to Oscar Pastri at Hungarian GP

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (images via IMAGO)

The Hungarian GP was just another showcase of a massive improvement in performance for McLaren. Lando Norris secured pole position in Qualifying. However, due to a bad start the 26-year-old lost his position to teammate Oscar Piastri. McLaren ordered a driver swap at the end which led Piastri to winning the Hungarian GP. It was tough for the Briton to sacrifice his win, however he was seen congratulating his teammate.

Lando Norris explained how tough it was for him to give his position to teammate Oscar Piastri. He stated that he was asked to box that lap, which meant changing tires earlier. He stated that this strategy gave him the chance to be in front of the pack and lead comfortably. Norris highlighted that leading the race and then giving it up to another driver on the team’s call was a tough decision for him.

It was tough. I think it would be tough for anyone when you're leading the race to give it up. I was obviously put in the position, so they made me box first and gave me the chance to lead the race and to pull away quite comfortably.
Lando Norris said, as reported by Motorsport.com
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Further, Norris stated that he did his best during the race and that his situation allowed him to perform well. Because of this, he felt it was fair to give the lead position back to the Aussie driver. Lando Norris stated he gave the position back to Piastri as it was his first win ever. This showcased the true sport spirit the Briton holds, supporting his teammate while sacrificing his win.

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I did what I was doing, but it also gave me the opportunity to do so, you know. Therefore, I think it was fair just to give the position back.
Lando Norris added
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Lando Norris highlighted that Oscar Piastri has done a lot for him in the past

Lando Norris explained that he didn’t want to seem like he was unfair. He wanted to make clear that he’s trying to be fair and considerate. Giving away his win, when he’s almost there to match with the driver standings leader did hurt the Briton. However, the Briton stated Piastri has done a lot for him in the past, and supported him in many races. So Norris felt it was important to treat the Aussie well and show fairness in return for the help he had received.

I don't want to come across like a guy who's not fair. Oscar's done a lot for me in the past and helped me in many races.
Lando Norris stated.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (image via IMAGO)

Further, Lando Norris stated that Piastri drove a better performance compared to him at the race. He highlighted his start was worse than Oscar Piastri. Norris believed that the 23-year-old deserved to be in the better position because of his strong performance and good start. The Briton admitted that it was the right thing to do to let the Aussie have the advantage because he had earned it with his better race skills.

He drove a better race than I did, you know, he got a good start, he got a better start and mine sucked. He deserved it and it was the right thing to do.
Lando Norris added.

Certainly, Lando Norris felt bad to give up his win but he considered it a fair play because Piastri helped him a lot in the past. Fans were delighted seeing the pair scoring 1-2 for the first time since Monza. Oscar Piastri was overwhelmed by his first win and thanked his teammate Norris for his support.

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