Lando Norris-Oscar Piastri Make History, Equal Record with Ayrton Senna-Alain Prost
McLaren’s duo Norris and Piastri have now recorded six 1-2 finishes this season—the most in a single season since 1988.
Star McLaren racers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri achieved a major milestone on Sunday, July 27, by securing the team’s highest number of 1-2 finishes in a season since 1988, when Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost reached the same mark 37 years ago. While Norris and Piastri have reached six 1-2s, they are still four short of matching Senna and Prost’s all-time best.
Piastri clinched his sixth race win of the season in commanding style, positioning himself as the frontrunner to beat team-mate Norris in the race for the drivers’ title.
Victorious McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, while celebrating this sixth 1-2 result of the year, applauded the FIA’s decision to delay the start of the Belgian GP due to adverse weather.
“I believe the race was handled in a very prudent manner by the FIA. We anticipated significant rainfall, and at a track like this, if decisions are taken too late, it could lead to dangerous consequences,” Stella stated.
In 1988, under the stewardship of British entrepreneur Ron Dennis and powered by Honda engines, McLaren dominated the field, winning 15 of the 16 races, including ten 1-2 finishes. Ferrari’s Gerhard Berger was the only non-McLaren race winner, taking victory at the Italian GP. Prost had seven wins that year, while Senna claimed eight.
Piastri expressed dissatisfaction with himself on Saturday, July 26, after losing out to title challenger and teammate Norris in qualifying for Sunday’s race. However, he made up for it with a bold overtaking move on the opening lap after a rolling start on the rain-soaked track.
With this Belgian GP result, McLaren’s all-time 1-2 finish count has climbed to 55, placing them third overall behind Ferrari and Mercedes. The streak began with a 1-2 finish in China, followed by similar results in Miami, Spain, Australia, Britain, and now Belgium.
The outstanding performance has thrust McLaren into genuine championship contention. This was also the team’s first win at Spa-Francorchamps since Jenson Button triumphed from pole position 13 years ago.
