Piastri retires after Sainz collision, Norris wins

A collision with a lapped car and a subsequent mechanical failure shattered Oscar Piastri's hopes for victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 26, 2026, sparking a heated dispute over responsibility and on-track awareness. The McLaren driver, who had led the race from the opening lap, was forced to retire with a gearbox issue, while his teammate Lando Norris went on to win.

The pivotal incident occurred on lap 38 as Piastri, having made his second pit stop from the lead, attempted to lap the Williams of Carlos Sainz. Sainz was engaged in a battle for position outside the points with Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin. As Piastri moved to pass at Turn 2, the two cars made contact. Piastri avoided a spin but lost crucial time and momentum, which allowed Norris, who pitted later, to exit the pits ahead and assume a lead he would not relinquish.

An incensed Piastri placed the blame squarely on Sainz. He dismissed the Williams driver's explanation that Piastri was in a blind spot and that a failure of the in-car blue light warning system meant he was unaware he was about to be lapped. Piastri stated that blue flags were clearly displayed on trackside marshal signals and light...