27 July 2026 15:00 (UTC)
A return to No.1, champagne celebrations, and fan art: Behind the scenes in Budapest
Allow us to take you behind the scenes of the Hungarian Grand Prix and deep into the paddock, with our regular post-race wrap-up. Covering all the action you might have missed, we'll explore everything from the outfits that caught our attention to the strongest snaps and the standout quotes.
Budapest remained a happy hunting ground for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Lando claimed a second successive victory at the Hungaroring. And while Oscar was unable to join his teammate on the podium after retiring late in the race, he was still part of several special moments as we returned to winning ways.
From fantastic fan art to a family of McLaren supporters and our first trackside team photo of the season, here’s what caught our eye…
While Lando and Oscar are competitors out on track, they never lose sight of the bigger picture of being part of one team.
Our drivers traded the lead during the early stages of the Hungarian Grand Prix as we enjoyed being 1-2 in a race for only the second time this season.
It was Lando who ended on top as Oscar saw his hopes of a podium dashed on Lap 56, when he was unfortunately forced to retire from P3, reporting gearbox issues.
Team Principal Andrea Stella praised the pair’s sportsmanship and celebrated their commitment to fair and respectful racing.
Their commitment to sportsmanship was further emphasised when they came together, alongside the rest of the team, to celebrate our first victory of the season.
It was a handshake that symbolised much more.
On the Wednesday before a Grand Prix, we’ll always try to get out of the hotel with a camera and explore what the wonderful locations on the Formula 1 calendar have to offer, and sometimes we’ll even treat ourselves to a little souvenir.
This weekend in Budapest was one of those occasions, as we spotted the perfect Hungarian Grand Prix mascot. We had several names in mind for our newest team member, but it was only right we let you make the final decision, and while there wasn’t technically a correct answer, you chose wisely, naming them Budabear.
From that moment onwards, everywhere we went, Budabear followed, joining us all around the paddock, from fan forum to parc fermé (ssh, don’t tell F1). Budabear proved to be a mighty fine mascot as we claimed our first win of the season – now, we’re not saying we couldn’t have done it without Budabear, but we’re also not, not saying it.
It is always quite confusing when a family supports different teams, but there is nothing more beautiful than following in generations of dedication.
Add on how special it is attending a Grand Prix alongside your family, there really is not much that could beat it, although a McLaren victory may be the cherry on top.
This group turned up to the Hungaroring decked out to show their support for their favourite team.
And just like Lando and Oscar are given equal treatment, this family split their loyalties evenly, with two wearing shirts for LN1 and two for OP81.
Before the racing got underway in Hungary, Oscar and Lando headed to the fan forum to interact with our dedicated supporters who had descended on Budapest for the last race before the summer break.
Among the sea of papaya, one thing stood out – a detailed pencil drawing of Oscar.
Our social media team brought the artwork up to the stage for Oscar to admire before he signed it and returned the precious souvenir to its owner, whose trip from Poland had been made well worth it, without having yet even seen the drivers in action.
That wasn’t the only artwork that caught the eye, as Lando also gave his seal, or signature, of approval to another incredible piece of art by the fans.
There could really only be one winner for moment of the weekend, couldn't there?
December doesn’t feel like that long ago, but on Sunday in Budapest, it seemed like it had been a while since we last celebrated a Grand Prix victory. As Lando parked the MCL40 in front of the Number 1 sign for the first time as Number 1, it marked a historic moment in his Formula 1 career.
Coincidentally, Lando’s first win as Number 1 also fell on the exact same date, some 17 years later, that Lewis Hamilton secured his first win as a World Champion in Hungary.
That wasn’t the only notable stat to come from the World Champion’s first win of 2026. The triumph marked the first time in 12 Grand Prix wins that Lando has secured repeat victories at a track, as he defended his 2025 success. It also ensured McLaren extended their winning run at the Hungaroring to three, with Oscar having triumphed at the circuit in 2024, when he won his first-ever Grand Prix.
Lando and Andrea were quick to thank everyone trackside and those back at the factory, who had worked tirelessly to deliver an upgrade package ahead of the weekend that played a decisive part in our first win of the year.
“Beautiful! Car was unbelievable today. Thank you all. Hard work pays off. Let’s keep it going. I love you all.”
While the drivers and Andrea gave detailed thoughts on how the race unfolded and what they could take away from it, the emotions of the day were perhaps best summed up by Lando’s radio message after taking the Chequered Flag.
First, he described exactly how we were all feeling before paying tribute to those who helped him to get to the top step of the podium.
The team will have a little longer than usual to enjoy their victory as we now prepare for our summer shutdown.
Before then, Lando, Oscar, and F1 Development and Reserve Driver Leonardo Fornaroli head to Portimão for some testing.
After a break for the whole team, attention turns to the Dutch Grand Prix, which takes place in Zandvoort between 21 and 23 August.
