23 July 2023 , 15:09
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Lando Norris and Max Verstappen joked about the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton's horrible start opened the door for them both.
The seven-time world champion lined up on pole position after a remarkable qualifying lap. But he was unable to convert that into a long-awaited Formula 1 victory, his chances ruined by a terrible launch off the line.
That allowed Verstappen to take the lead heading into the first corner. And, to make matters worse, he was down to fourth place within seconds as the two McLaren cars made the most of his misfortune.
Lando Norris battled with his fellow Brit before he was able to move by. As they squabbled on the outside of the first corner, Oscar Piastri slipped up the inside of the two of them to take second place.
He wasn't able to hold on to that, though, and finished fifth in the end. It was Norris who crossed the line closest to runaway winner Verstappen, while Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez held on to the final podium spot despite Hamilton's late charge.
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After the race, while waiting for the podium ceremony, the trio took their places in the cool down room as usual. And while there, they were shown a highlights package from the race which had just concluded.
It was when they were shown footage of Piastri slipping by Hamilton and Norris at that first corner that they made the comments. "Look at Oscar!" cried Norris, clearly impressed with his team-mate, while Verstappen joked in response: "He's like, 'Thank you very much'."
Once Verstappen took the lead, there was going to be no catching him. And Hamilton was very aware that it was going to prove to be a costly mistake, immediately jumping onto the radio to apologise to his team.
In the end, the Dutchman was more than half-a-minute clear of anyone else on track when he took the chequered flag. Norris was comfortable in second place, securing back-to-back F1 podiums for the first time in his career.
Perez had briefly threatened him, but soon had the charging Hamilton to worry about in the final few laps. He had finally managed to switch on his Mercedes in low-fuel conditions, but it was too late and Red Bull racer held on to third.