Next Mercedes-Benz V-Class previewed by super-luxurious EV concept
Mercedes-Benz Vision V
concept unveiled in Shanghai previews the next-generation
V-Class
people mover that's due to go on sale from 2026.
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Honda Australia sets tight deadline for hybrids to account for 90 per cent of its sales
Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia said 90 per cent of its local sales will consist of hybrid vehicles by mid-2026 – when the Prelude coupe is scheduled to return as a hybrid – compared to roughly half of its current volume. Hybrid models made up 53 per cent of Honda sales here across May and June 2025, despite its best-selling model – the CR-V – only offering hybrid power in its top trim level. That percentage is even better than market-leader Toyota Australia, which saw hybrids make up 46 per cent of its sales in the first six months of 2025. "That [roughly half hybrid sales] trend will continue for the balance of this year," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp during a media event in Melbourne. "But as we go into next year, there are going to be a number of changes to our lineup which I think will accelerate that even more." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Mr Thorp confirmed updated versions of both the CR-V and ZR-V are set for arrival in Australia in the second quarter (April-June) 2026 and will offer a hybrid powertrain across more model grades. "Those models will expand a hybrid offering quite significantly and will see us introduce a new four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," the Honda boss said. "It means over 80 per cent of our products will be hybrid … and nearly 90 per cent of our sales will be hybrid in nature by this time next year." Honda's hybrids – which it calls e:HEVs – in Australia are currently all front-wheel drive. That's pretty standard in the small SUV segment, but in the mid-size SUV segment – where the CR-V and ZR-V sit – rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail e-Power offer hybrid power combined with all-wheel drive systems. The growing ranks of Honda hybrids will include the reborn Prelude sports car, which will make its return to Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence, using an electrified powertrain. It'll be sportier than the standard Civic and Accord, sharing components including suspension, brakes and other parts with the petrol-powered Civic Type R hot hatch. Yet Honda Australia said the Prelude is "not a volume model", with 94 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025 made up of its SUVs – the CR-V, ZR-V and smaller HR-V. "If you look at the market year-on-year, while it is down, growth of SUVs where we [Honda] play in most of the time, the growth of SUVs is all in hybrid," said Mr Thorp. "BEV [battery-electric vehicles] is pretty flat, ICE [internal combustion engines] is declining, but all the growth is in hybrid technology … I think it's a reflection of what customers want." "For a long time [at Honda Australia] it's been a strategy built on hybrid before a transition to BEV – and fundamentally, that strategy we've held out for a number of years has not ultimately changed. "We think that even right now, while BEVs are penetrating the market – there's a lot of noise about – in reality the hybrids are the choice for consumers."MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Honda CR-V and ZR-V facelifts confirmed for Australia, PHEV on the cards
The Honda CR-V and ZR-V mid-size SUVs will be facelifted and given a new hybrid system – and perhaps their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – plus Google artificial intelligence in early 2026. Honda Australia shared the news at a recent media event where it announced a range of product news, including the model update – internally known an MMC or 'Minor Model Change' – for the two popular models, which accounted for two-thirds of its sales in the first half of 2025. Set to arrive around March/April 2026, the facelift for the CR-V and ZR-V will be the first major change for both model since the current generation of each model was launched in Australia in 2023. The five-seat and seven-seat CR-V is the brand's top-seller, ahead of the HR-V small SUV, while the ZR-V is its third most popular model. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. While mild cosmetic changes are expected, the most significant changes will be underneath the skin, with Honda Australia looking to expand its hybrid offering. In the current CR-V and ZR-V, a hybrid powertrain is available only in the top-spec variants – the ZR-V e:HEV LX (priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs) and the CR-V e:HEV RS ($59,900 plus on-roads). The hybrid CR-V and ZR-V are only available in front-wheel drive form, but broader availability of hybrid power will allow both mid-size SUVs to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4 – Australia's favourite SUV. "[The update] will see us introduce a new all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp. "We have an all-wheel drive ICE [internal combustion-engined] model, which sells quite strongly at the moment, [so] converting to a hybrid powertrain we think is where the market is going." In fact, Honda expects hybrid vehicles to account for around 90 per cent of its total sales – compared to 53 per cent currently – by mid-2026. While he didn't confirm specific details, Mr Thorp also said a PHEV version of the CR-V – currently offered in the UK – is also being looked at, but it may arrive after the early-2026 update. "There will be a suite of other safety and model enhancements as well," the Honda boss added. The 2026 CR-V and ZR-V will also bring the second-generation Google built-in system, which is already offered in the Civic hatchback and the Accord flagship sedan. The current version includes the ability to unlock, start and drive a vehicle without a physical key – among many other features – with owners capable of accessing these controls through the Honda Connect smartphone application. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude: Reborn coupe confirmed for AustraliaMORE: Honda's future EVs could be tuned to feel like an S2000 or NSX Content originally sourced from: The Honda CR-V and ZR-V mid-size SUVs will be facelifted and given a new hybrid system – and perhaps their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – plus Google artificial intelligence in early 2026. Honda Australia shared the news at a recent media event where it announced a range of product news, including the model update – internally known an MMC or 'Minor Model Change' – for the two popular models, which accounted for two-thirds of its sales in the first half of 2025. Set to arrive around March/April 2026, the facelift for the CR-V and ZR-V will be the first major change for both model since the current generation of each model was launched in Australia in 2023. The five-seat and seven-seat CR-V is the brand's top-seller, ahead of the HR-V small SUV, while the ZR-V is its third most popular model. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. While mild cosmetic changes are expected, the most significant changes will be underneath the skin, with Honda Australia looking to expand its hybrid offering. In the current CR-V and ZR-V, a hybrid powertrain is available only in the top-spec variants – the ZR-V e:HEV LX (priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs) and the CR-V e:HEV RS ($59,900 plus on-roads). The hybrid CR-V and ZR-V are only available in front-wheel drive form, but broader availability of hybrid power will allow both mid-size SUVs to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4 – Australia's favourite SUV. "[The update] will see us introduce a new all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp. "We have an all-wheel drive ICE [internal combustion-engined] model, which sells quite strongly at the moment, [so] converting to a hybrid powertrain we think is where the market is going." In fact, Honda expects hybrid vehicles to account for around 90 per cent of its total sales – compared to 53 per cent currently – by mid-2026. While he didn't confirm specific details, Mr Thorp also said a PHEV version of the CR-V – currently offered in the UK – is also being looked at, but it may arrive after the early-2026 update. "There will be a suite of other safety and model enhancements as well," the Honda boss added. The 2026 CR-V and ZR-V will also bring the second-generation Google built-in system, which is already offered in the Civic hatchback and the Accord flagship sedan. The current version includes the ability to unlock, start and drive a vehicle without a physical key – among many other features – with owners capable of accessing these controls through the Honda Connect smartphone application. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude: Reborn coupe confirmed for AustraliaMORE: Honda's future EVs could be tuned to feel like an S2000 or NSX Content originally sourced from: The Honda CR-V and ZR-V mid-size SUVs will be facelifted and given a new hybrid system – and perhaps their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – plus Google artificial intelligence in early 2026. Honda Australia shared the news at a recent media event where it announced a range of product news, including the model update – internally known an MMC or 'Minor Model Change' – for the two popular models, which accounted for two-thirds of its sales in the first half of 2025. Set to arrive around March/April 2026, the facelift for the CR-V and ZR-V will be the first major change for both model since the current generation of each model was launched in Australia in 2023. The five-seat and seven-seat CR-V is the brand's top-seller, ahead of the HR-V small SUV, while the ZR-V is its third most popular model. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. While mild cosmetic changes are expected, the most significant changes will be underneath the skin, with Honda Australia looking to expand its hybrid offering. In the current CR-V and ZR-V, a hybrid powertrain is available only in the top-spec variants – the ZR-V e:HEV LX (priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs) and the CR-V e:HEV RS ($59,900 plus on-roads). The hybrid CR-V and ZR-V are only available in front-wheel drive form, but broader availability of hybrid power will allow both mid-size SUVs to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4 – Australia's favourite SUV. "[The update] will see us introduce a new all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp. "We have an all-wheel drive ICE [internal combustion-engined] model, which sells quite strongly at the moment, [so] converting to a hybrid powertrain we think is where the market is going." In fact, Honda expects hybrid vehicles to account for around 90 per cent of its total sales – compared to 53 per cent currently – by mid-2026. While he didn't confirm specific details, Mr Thorp also said a PHEV version of the CR-V – currently offered in the UK – is also being looked at, but it may arrive after the early-2026 update. "There will be a suite of other safety and model enhancements as well," the Honda boss added. The 2026 CR-V and ZR-V will also bring the second-generation Google built-in system, which is already offered in the Civic hatchback and the Accord flagship sedan. The current version includes the ability to unlock, start and drive a vehicle without a physical key – among many other features – with owners capable of accessing these controls through the Honda Connect smartphone application. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude: Reborn coupe confirmed for AustraliaMORE: Honda's future EVs could be tuned to feel like an S2000 or NSX Content originally sourced from: The Honda CR-V and ZR-V mid-size SUVs will be facelifted and given a new hybrid system – and perhaps their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – plus Google artificial intelligence in early 2026. Honda Australia shared the news at a recent media event where it announced a range of product news, including the model update – internally known an MMC or 'Minor Model Change' – for the two popular models, which accounted for two-thirds of its sales in the first half of 2025. Set to arrive around March/April 2026, the facelift for the CR-V and ZR-V will be the first major change for both model since the current generation of each model was launched in Australia in 2023. The five-seat and seven-seat CR-V is the brand's top-seller, ahead of the HR-V small SUV, while the ZR-V is its third most popular model. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. While mild cosmetic changes are expected, the most significant changes will be underneath the skin, with Honda Australia looking to expand its hybrid offering. In the current CR-V and ZR-V, a hybrid powertrain is available only in the top-spec variants – the ZR-V e:HEV LX (priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs) and the CR-V e:HEV RS ($59,900 plus on-roads). The hybrid CR-V and ZR-V are only available in front-wheel drive form, but broader availability of hybrid power will allow both mid-size SUVs to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4 – Australia's favourite SUV. "[The update] will see us introduce a new all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup," said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp. "We have an all-wheel drive ICE [internal combustion-engined] model, which sells quite strongly at the moment, [so] converting to a hybrid powertrain we think is where the market is going." In fact, Honda expects hybrid vehicles to account for around 90 per cent of its total sales – compared to 53 per cent currently – by mid-2026. While he didn't confirm specific details, Mr Thorp also said a PHEV version of the CR-V – currently offered in the UK – is also being looked at, but it may arrive after the early-2026 update. "There will be a suite of other safety and model enhancements as well," the Honda boss added. The 2026 CR-V and ZR-V will also bring the second-generation Google built-in system, which is already offered in the Civic hatchback and the Accord flagship sedan. The current version includes the ability to unlock, start and drive a vehicle without a physical key – among many other features – with owners capable of accessing these controls through the Honda Connect smartphone application. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude: Reborn coupe confirmed for AustraliaMORE: Honda's future EVs could be tuned to feel like an S2000 or NSX Content originally sourced from:
The Age
7 hours ago
- The Age
As it happened: Norris wins Hungarian GP while Piastri settles for second in dramatic final lap
Go to latest Norris beats Piastri by 0.698 seconds to win Hungarian GP in a nail-bitingly close finale By Hannah Kennelly In the dying seconds of the penultimate lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri lunged his McLaren towards his teammate Lando Norris near Turn 1 to regain the lead of the race. The Australian locked up and Norris – who miraculously kept his tyres alive on a one-stop strategy for 39 laps – powered through to win the race and beat his teammate by 0.698 seconds. Piastri pitted twice and finished second, with Mercedes driver George Russell completing the podium and a frustrated Charles Leclerc in fourth. The McLaren 1-2 finish marks the team's 200th grand prix victory and also narrows the margin between championship leader Piastri and Norris to just nine points. As exhausted but elated Norris claimed his ninth win and declared he 'was dead' in a post-race interview. 'I'm dead. It was tough, it was tough,' Norris said. 'We weren't really planning on the one-stop but after the first lap it was kind of our only option to get back into things' he said. 'The final stint, with Oscar catching, I was pushing flat out.' A gracious Piastri congratulated his teammate and said McLaren had done a great job. 'I don't know if trying to undercut Leclerc was the right call in the end but we can go through that after,' Piastri said when asked about the team's differing tyre strategies. It was a rocky start to the race for Norris, who started third but dropped to fifth after trying to pass his teammate on the opening lap. Piastri spent the first half of the race in pursuit of race-leader Charles Leclerc, however was initially unable to catch him. McLaren chose to pit Piastri in lap 19 in an attempt to undercut Leclerc , however Ferrari executed a two-second stop and Leclerc emerged in front of Piastri. Norris pitted on lap 31 and chose to stay out – taking the lead of the race when the others pitted for a second time. Suddenly, Norris was a contender for the crown and Piastri – thanks to the team's tyre strategy – found himself chasing Leclerc and Norris. Notoriously nicknamed 'Monaco without walls', The Hungaroring has limited overtaking spots and tight turns demanding flawless perfection for every driver at every corner. The circuit's scare overtaking opportunities meant Piastri had to wait for the perfect moment to attack the Ferrari. A frustrated Charles Leclerc was unable to convert his pole position into a podium and issued an ominous and ultimately prophetic plea to his team during the race, telling his race engineer 'we are going to lose this race'. Piastri finally managed to get within DRS range down the main straight and swooped past Leclerc. With less than 20 laps to go, the Australian began hunting his teammate for the lead, while McLaren reminded the pair to race cleanly. Piastri tried numerous times to overtake Norris, but his rival held firm and fast and managed to evade the Australian's lunges and deep-dive near turn 1. After the Belgian Grand Prix last week, Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle declared 'This race confirms, it's Piastri versus Norris for the world championship'. It's clear both Norris and Piastri know that too. During Lap 41 of the Hungarian Grand Prix race, Piastri's race engineer asked if he would prefer to try and undercut Leclerc or defend against Norris and therefore have a better tyre advantage. The Australian instantly chose Norris. An McLaren battle for the driver's championship is inevitable. But the mid-season break is now upon so, so we will need to wait and see. The next race will be the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31. Latest posts 1.44am Norris beats Piastri by 0.698 seconds to win Hungarian GP in a nail-bitingly close finale By Hannah Kennelly In the dying seconds of the penultimate lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri lunged his McLaren towards his teammate Lando Norris near Turn 1 to regain the lead of the race. The Australian locked up and Norris – who miraculously kept his tyres alive on a one-stop strategy for 39 laps – powered through to win the race and beat his teammate by 0.698 seconds. Piastri pitted twice and finished second, with Mercedes driver George Russell completing the podium and a frustrated Charles Leclerc in fourth. The McLaren 1-2 finish marks the team's 200th grand prix victory and also narrows the margin between championship leader Piastri and Norris to just nine points. As exhausted but elated Norris claimed his ninth win and declared he 'was dead' in a post-race interview. 'I'm dead. It was tough, it was tough,' Norris said. 'We weren't really planning on the one-stop but after the first lap it was kind of our only option to get back into things' he said. 'The final stint, with Oscar catching, I was pushing flat out.' A gracious Piastri congratulated his teammate and said McLaren had done a great job. 'I don't know if trying to undercut Leclerc was the right call in the end but we can go through that after,' Piastri said when asked about the team's differing tyre strategies. It was a rocky start to the race for Norris, who started third but dropped to fifth after trying to pass his teammate on the opening lap. Piastri spent the first half of the race in pursuit of race-leader Charles Leclerc, however was initially unable to catch him. McLaren chose to pit Piastri in lap 19 in an attempt to undercut Leclerc , however Ferrari executed a two-second stop and Leclerc emerged in front of Piastri. Norris pitted on lap 31 and chose to stay out – taking the lead of the race when the others pitted for a second time. Suddenly, Norris was a contender for the crown and Piastri – thanks to the team's tyre strategy – found himself chasing Leclerc and Norris. Notoriously nicknamed 'Monaco without walls', The Hungaroring has limited overtaking spots and tight turns demanding flawless perfection for every driver at every corner. The circuit's scare overtaking opportunities meant Piastri had to wait for the perfect moment to attack the Ferrari. A frustrated Charles Leclerc was unable to convert his pole position into a podium and issued an ominous and ultimately prophetic plea to his team during the race, telling his race engineer 'we are going to lose this race'. Piastri finally managed to get within DRS range down the main straight and swooped past Leclerc. With less than 20 laps to go, the Australian began hunting his teammate for the lead, while McLaren reminded the pair to race cleanly. Piastri tried numerous times to overtake Norris, but his rival held firm and fast and managed to evade the Australian's lunges and deep-dive near turn 1. After the Belgian Grand Prix last week, Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle declared 'This race confirms, it's Piastri versus Norris for the world championship'. It's clear both Norris and Piastri know that too. During Lap 41 of the Hungarian Grand Prix race, Piastri's race engineer asked if he would prefer to try and undercut Leclerc or defend against Norris and therefore have a better tyre advantage. The Australian instantly chose Norris. An McLaren battle for the driver's championship is inevitable. But the mid-season break is now upon so, so we will need to wait and see. The next race will be the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31.
