P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has conceded the F1 constructors’ champions “did not consider” rolling the dice with Lando Norris’ strategy at the Circuit of the Americas.
Andrea Stella, from McLaren, disclosed that they did not contemplate starting Lando Norris on soft tires for the United States Grand Prix, unlike most of the top 10 drivers who opted for medium-compound Pirellis at the Circuit of the Americas.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc’s bold decision to go for the red-walled soft tires paid off immediately, as he outpaced Norris in the opening corner, setting up a strategic duel between the two drivers throughout the race.
Although Norris managed to overtake Leclerc in the final stages, the earlier tactical move by Ferrari hindered his chances of challenging Max Verstappen’s lead.
Reflecting on the race, Stella praised Ferrari’s strategic choice, acknowledging that McLaren failed to anticipate the impact of starting on soft tires.
McLaren’s missed opportunity to take a risk akin to Ferrari’s decision could have possibly helped them defend against Leclerc’s charge or even enabled Norris to challenge Verstappen for the top spot.
