The Formula 1 paddock often jokes about the inaccuracy of Pirelli’s race strategy predictions, as seen in the Hungarian Grand Prix where Lando Norris succeeded with an unexpected one-stop strategy. Red Bull’s Helmut Marko suggested Max Verstappen could have finished higher with a single pit stop instead of two.
Pirelli initially recommended a two-stop strategy for the race, but the cooler conditions and early race incidents led to a shift in plans. Norris’ move to a one-stop strategy was influenced by the race dynamics on track, with McLaren adapting to the circumstances as well.
The battle for track position among Norris, George Russell, and Fernando Alonso forced Norris into a one-stop plan, while McLaren adjusted Oscar Piastri’s strategy to challenge Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Alonso’s impressive pace and strategic choices added complexity to the race scenarios.
Ultimately, Norris and McLaren benefited from their adaptability and strategic decisions, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 races and the importance of making real-time adjustments to maximize results.
