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In what could become a defining moment in both his career and McLaren’s rich legacy, Lando Norris stands on the brink of securing the team’s 200th Formula 1 Grand Prix victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend. As the F1 paddock turns its eyes to the historic Hungaroring, Norris is not just chasing another podium—he’s racing to etch his name alongside some of the greatest legends ever to wear McLaren colors.
A historic milestone within reach
McLaren’s first ever Grand Prix win dates back to June 9, 1968, when team founder Bruce McLaren triumphed at Spa-Francorchamps. What followed was a golden era marked by champions and icons. Names like Denny Hulme (6 wins), Emerson Fittipaldi (5), James Hunt (9), Ayrton Senna (35), Alain Prost (30), Mika Häkkinen (20), and Lewis Hamilton (21) have since built the Woking-based team’s reputation into one of F1’s most storied institutions.
With 198 Grand Prix victories under their belt, the pressure and privilege of sealing win number 200 now rests on the shoulders of 25-year-old Lando Norris—a driver whose own rise has mirrored McLaren’s recent resurgence.
Lando Norris aims to add his name to an elite legacy
“It’s always been an honour for me to be a part of McLaren,” said Norris, reflecting on his journey with the team since debuting in Formula 1. “When you look at the history of who has been in McLaren, the drivers, the championships that have been won… I’m lucky to have been part of McLaren since I joined Formula 1.”
Lando Norris, who currently has eight Grand Prix podiums with McLaren, is keenly aware of the symbolic weight the 200th victory carries—not just for the team, but for his own career.
“Of course, you always want to be whatever number you can be, but 200 is a big achievement for the team,” he said. “We’ve improved a lot over the years, and it’s nice that we can start these cool stats again, and we can make some history, and add to what McLaren was once achieving many years ago.”
The stars align in budapest?
Hungary has been fertile ground for emotional wins in the past, and with McLaren showing consistent pace, expectations are running high. Teammate Oscar Piastri, who shares the same podium tally as Norris, is also in contention. However, the Brit is especially driven to claim this historic milestone.
“It’s special,” he emphasized. “But of course, the number 200 is even more special, and that’s something I would like to be.”
Should Lando Norris clinch victory this Sunday, it would not only secure a prestigious spot in McLaren’s record books, but also solidify his evolution from rising star to historic game-changer. One win could define a career—and rekindle a legacy.
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