The Hungarian Grand Prix had a distinct 2025 feel as McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri dominated from the front. It marked the first time the reigning back-to-back Constructors champions have enjoyed such dominance this year, and Norris's first Grand Prix win since his World Championship victory in December.
Finishing 15 seconds clear of Max Verstappen, Norris cut into Championship-leader Kimi Antonelli's lead thanks to upgrades and work at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking.
Behind the scenes at MTC
While the majority of the team headed to the Hungaroring, engineers and analysts remained behind, populating the Mission Control room as workshops and offices stayed quiet. Through Allwyn, a partner of McLaren and F1, a visit was arranged to see behind the curtain of the MTC.
Inside a room adjacent to Mission Central, screens and vast amounts of data impressed. Specialists measured Piastri's engine performance, analysts watched onboard footage of every driver, piecing together how to find tenths of a second.
Qualifying focus
Norris topped Q2 and Piastri safely made Q3, but no celebrations—engineers focused on sending information to Hungary for a pole ascent. The unedited team radio revealed the teamwork behind McLaren's success.
Returning to the ground floor, Norris put his MCL40 on pole for the first time this year, with his Championship-winning ride from last year nearby alongside Lewis Hamilton's 2008 car. A drink was raised to Norris, then past title-winning cars of Fittipaldi, Hunt, Lauda, Prost, Senna, and Hakkinen, and the £80 million 1995 Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR.
Allwyn partnership
Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery since 2024, recognizes anticipation before events is as exciting as the action. They partner with F1 for the Formation Lap, the ultimate moment of anticipation. Through the Allwyn League, fans can join F1 Predict and win exclusive prizes like grandstand tickets and Paddock Club access.
