P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has disclosed the team did contemplate covering Red Bull’s early choice to commit to an extra pitstop in F1’s Spanish GP.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella revealed that the team considered responding to Red Bull’s decision for an extra pitstop during the Spanish Grand Prix in Formula 1. Red Bull’s early pitstop for Verstappen led to a strategic battle with McLaren waiting eight laps before pitting, allowing Verstappen to lead temporarily. Despite concerns about Verstappen’s pace, McLaren stuck to their two-stop strategy, which paid off when a Safety Car intervention helped them secure their positions.
Red Bull’s gamble backfired when an incorrect tyre choice led to Verstappen dropping to 10th place. Stella stated that McLaren’s decision to stick with the two-stop plan was based on the belief that it was the faster strategy. The team did not opt for a three-stop despite considering it, as they believed it would not have been as effective. In the end, McLaren’s strategic decisions proved successful in the race.
