P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri has been left with “speechless” after McLaren strategy at F1 Qatar GP sees him slip down to third in the drivers’ standings.
Oscar Piastri expressed his disbelief and frustration after McLaren’s strategy error cost him a likely win at the Qatar Grand Prix in Formula 1.
Despite starting from pole position and leading at the beginning, a Safety Car deployment disrupted Piastri’s momentum and handed an advantage to his rivals.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who made a strategic pit stop during the Safety Car period, ultimately clinched the victory, while Piastri managed to finish second.
McLaren’s decision not to pit under the Safety Car backfired on Piastri, as he struggled to make up for lost time due to mandated pit stops later in the race.
Verstappen described McLaren’s strategy as “interesting,” acknowledging the challenge of managing tire wear during the race.
Looking ahead to the next race in Yas Marina, Piastri remains realistic about his championship chances and acknowledges that McLaren’s strategy call was a missed opportunity for him.
