Young McLaren Drivers Show Glimpses of Potential at Hungarian Grand Prix

While Max Verstappen cruised to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix to extend Red Bull's win streak to 12 races, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and rookie Oscar Piastri produced promising performances that could bode well for the Woking-based team's future.

Verstappen made a superb start from 2nd on the grid, muscling his way past pole sitter Lewis Hamilton into Turn 1. But Piastri also got a strong launch, leapfrogging both Hamilton and Norris on the opening lap to slot into 2nd place behind Verstappen.

The 20-year-old Australian ran an impressive 2nd for the first 10 laps, though his medium tires began to fade as Verstappen extended his opening stint on hards. As Piastri's tires degraded, he dropped behind Norris during the first round of pit stops.

Piastri eventually pitted from 3rd place on Lap 43 and rejoined behind Norris and ahead of Sergio Perez, who had started 9th on the grid but was charging through the field. Perez swiftly got past Piastri around the outside of Turn 1 to demote the rookie to 6th place. Piastri then had to fend off Hamilton in the closing stages to finish in the final points-paying position, 5th.

While the result was disappointing compared to his stellar start, Piastri showed glimpses of potential pace in only his 2nd Formula 1 race. With more experience and car development, he could develop into a formidable driver for McLaren.

Norris also produced a strong overall performance, running in the top 3 for most of the race. He lost 2nd briefly to Piastri at the start before regaining the position during the 1st round of pit stops.

With fresher tires in the 2nd half of the grand prix, Norris did an excellent job of managing his pace and tires to hold off Perez's advances, claiming McLaren's 1st podium of 2023 in 2nd place. It was a much-needed result for the British team, who have struggled for consistency in the opening races.

While Verstappen and Red Bull were in a class of their own at the front, McLaren will take plenty of encouragement from the fight their drivers put up. Norris and Piastri proved they have the raw speed within them to challenge the established frontrunners - they now need to convert that potential into regular podium finishes and wins.

For now, Verstappen and Red Bull remain dominant. But the flashes of pace from McLaren's young charging bulls suggest brighter days could lie ahead for the historic team, so long as they can continue developing their cars and nurturing the substantial talents of two exciting up-and-coming drivers.