P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris insists the intermediate tyre choice that derailed McLaren’s hopes in F1’s Canadian GP was not “stupid” despite ultimately backfiring
Lando Norris defended McLaren’s decision to start the Canadian Grand Prix on intermediate tires, despite it ultimately not working out as planned. Both Norris and Oscar Piastri were part of a group of drivers who chose not to start on slicks due to uncertain weather conditions. Norris managed to briefly lead the race on intermediates before realizing they were not the best choice.
Eventually, both McLaren drivers switched to slicks, but the team believes external factors, like delays caused by aborted starts, impacted their strategy. McLaren felt that a window of opportunity to benefit from wet-weather tires closed by the time the race started. Team principal Andrea Stella noted how conditions improved during the extra formation laps, which hindered the advantage of intermediates and favored slicks.
Despite the outcome, Norris maintained that the decision was not “stupid,” as they adapted to changing circumstances. McLaren acknowledges the challenge posed by the evolving weather conditions and remains pragmatic about the strategic choices made during the race. Ultimately, the team sees the race as a learning experience that will inform their approach to future events.
