Piastri returns as leader to scene of first F1 win

BUDAPEST :Oscar Piastri has got used to winning since his first in Hungary last year and returns as Formula One leader looking to take a tidy advantage over McLaren teammate Lando Norris into the August break.

The 24-year-old has won six of 13 grands prix so far this season, already more than any Australian driver has ever managed in a single year, and leads his British rival by 16 points with 11 races remaining.

"I'm really excited to go back. It's always a fun weekend. It's a great city, a cool track as well," said Piastri after winning a rain-delayed race in Belgium last Sunday in McLaren's sixth one-two of the season.

"I'm sure Thursday will be nice to go back to where I had my first win. But as soon as we get on track, you forget about that immediately."

Hungary - hot and twisty and with a layout more like an overgrown go-kart track that makes overtaking tricky - puts a premium on qualifying.

Norris took pole last time in Hungary but lost out to Piastri at the start, recovered the lead when the Australian suffered a slower pitstop and was then ordered by the team to hand back the place.

The Briton eventually complied but it rankled at the time and he will be looking to win on Sunday without any such controversy.

With McLaren dominant, and historically the most successful team in Hungary, the stage is set for another duel between the teammates.

Who joins them on the podium remains an open question but this could be the moment Lewis Hamilton has been waiting for with Ferrari, while teammate Charles Leclerc has had five podiums already this season.

Hamilton has an unrivalled record at the Hungaroring with eight wins and was third last year, admittedly in a Mercedes, behind the McLarens. He also has nine poles at the circuit