Lando Norris secured a memorable victory at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, August 4, executing a daring one-stop strategy that earned him his fifth win of the season and his first triumph at Budapest. The McLaren driver’s performance was complemented by the presence of his girlfriend, Margarida Corciero, who shared the celebratory moment at the trackside.
Norris’ Race Comeback Fueled by a Strategic Gamble
Starting the race from third on the grid, Norris dropped to fifth after a challenging opening but gradually found his rhythm. Throughout the first half of the race, he was not seen as a clear contender for the victory. However, the 25-year-old from Somerset made a remarkable recovery by expertly managing his tires during the final laps, maintaining composure under intense pressure from teammate and championship rival Oscar Piastri.
This tactical approach paid off as Norris’ pace remained strong, especially after clearing traffic, enabling him to overtake competitors and ultimately cross the finish line in first place. His ability to sustain tire performance and capitalize on clean air was crucial to outperforming his rivals during the closing stages.
Celebrations and Relationship Milestones at the Hungaroring
After the race, Norris was visibly elated, celebrating with his McLaren team members inside the parc fermé. His girlfriend, Margarida Corciero, was present to witness the victory, with the couple openly displaying their affection—kisses and embraces—marking their relationship publicly for the first time during the weekend at the iconic Hungaroring circuit.
The 22-year-old Portuguese model, who also attended the race weekends in Monaco and Spain earlier this season, has become a familiar figure alongside Norris, who claimed victory in Monaco. The driver hopes she will continue accompanying him to upcoming races, especially as her presence has coincided with multiple podium finishes and wins this year.
Norris Reflects on His Winning Strategy and Championship Prospects
In a post-race interview with F1TV, Norris described the one-stop plan as a calculated risk he believed was necessary to improve his position after falling to fourth place early on. He said:
“I mean, I didn’t think it would probably get us the win. I thought maybe it would get us at least into second. I knew our pace was good, even in the first stint behind George. I couldn’t get past, but the pace was strong.” —Lando Norris, McLaren driver
“So, I knew if I just had some clean air and I could push that I could maybe make things work, and that’s what we did. It’s always a bit of a gamble, these kinds of things, but it also requires no mistakes, good laps, good strategy, all these things. And that’s what we had today. So, I’m very happy.” —Lando Norris, McLaren driver
As the season enters its summer break, Norris trails his teammate Oscar Piastri by nine points in the Drivers’ Championship and has one fewer race win so far in 2025. His Hungarian Grand Prix victory highlights his ongoing challenge for the title and his determination to close the gap in the upcoming races. This success not only boosts his confidence but could also play a pivotal role in the championship campaign moving forward.