Here is the driver evaluation following the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, with Conor McDona’s performance highlighted.
McLaren’s Lando Norris secured victory in Budapest on Sunday, finishing ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri. Interestingly, the standout performance came from a driver positioned in the lower midfield. Fans were also reminded of some veteran brilliance, though notably not from Lewis Hamilton this time around.
Lando Norris – 8
Norris celebrated his fifth win of the 2025 F1 season, capitalizing on a smart one-stop strategy in Hungary. Despite a poor start and being beaten by Piastri early on, Norris’s ability to maintain strong pace in clear air was impressive.
Oscar Piastri – 8.5
Piastri likely felt frustrated at losing to Norris after outperforming him in qualifying and the opening lap. The only critique was his inability to close in on Charles Leclerc during his initial stint.
George Russell – 9
Mercedes showed improved competitiveness in Hungary, with Russell qualifying just shy of pole position and securing a podium finish, marking a standout weekend for the team.
Charles Leclerc – 9
Leclerc delivered one of the best drives of the season, overtaking two McLarens and leading the first half of the race. Despite a mid-race pace drop due to a chassis issue, he nearly scored a perfect 9.5, only held back by an overly aggressive defense against Russell.
Fernando Alonso – 9
Alonso continues to demonstrate that experience matters. Though narrowly behind his teammate Lance Stroll, he managed tire wear intelligently and executed a successful one-stop strategy.
Gabriel Boltreto – 9.5
There’s increasing talk that Boltreto could be the rookie of the season, having scored points in three of four races and consistently challenging teammate Nico Hülkenberg.
Lance Stroll – 7.5
Stroll had a solid weekend, running close to Alonso’s pace in qualifying and recovering well after starting seventh.
Liam Lawson – 8.5
Lawson has been performing consistently, scoring three points over four races and outpacing teammate Isack Hadjar this weekend.
Max Verstappen – 7.5
Verstappen and Red Bull struggled significantly, falling far off the pace with no notable progress during the weekend.
Kimi Antonelli – 6
Despite Mercedes improving, Antonelli faced disappointment with an old suspension spec and qualifying setbacks. He started 15th and managed to earn some points.
Isack Hadjar – 7
Hadjar had a difficult race, compromised early after gravel hit his left side and affected his performance.
Lewis Hamilton – 5.5
Hamilton endured a tough weekend, knocked out in qualifying’s second quarter and struggling in the race, with Ferrari’s strategy offering no hope for a top-10 finish.
Nico Hülkenberg – 5
Hülkenberg also faced a poor weekend, hampered by lack of pace and a costly false start that ruined any chance for points.
Carlos Sainz – 7
Sainz was the stronger Williams driver but couldn’t match the pace of Aston Martin or Red Bull drivers.
Alex Albon – 6
Albon was off the pace compared to Sainz and finished behind his teammate in the race.
Esteban Ocon – 6
Ocon struggled significantly, falling far behind his rookie teammate in qualifying and finishing 16th after an unsatisfying race.
Yuki Tsunoda – 6
Tsunoda put in one of his best qualifying runs but was again let down by Red Bull’s lack of pace, starting from the pit lane and making no progress.
Franco Colapinto – 6.5
Colapinto showed promise by outperforming Pierre Gasly during the weekend.
Pierre Gasly – 5
Gasly, after some strong recent showings, was nowhere to be seen in Hungary and finished near the back of the classified runners.
Ollie Bearman – 7
Bearman qualified well in 11th but was forced to retire due to a damaged undertray.
Fan Take: This roundup highlights the ongoing battle between emerging talent and seasoned veterans, making the 2025 season unpredictable and exciting. As lower midfield drivers start to shine, fans can expect fresh rivalries and surprises, adding new layers of intrigue to the sport.
