McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that Max Verstappen’s three-stop strategy at the Spanish Grand Prix initially raised concerns for the team, as they had initially thought Verstappen’s approach wouldn’t pose a threat. Verstappen’s early stops and strong pace kept McLaren on edge, prompting them to adjust their own race strategies to counter his threat.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both had to manage their tyre temperatures to prevent overheating issues during the race, with Norris even reporting graining on his front tyres. Stella praised the drivers and the tyre engineers for executing the race plan effectively, ultimately leading to a successful outcome for McLaren.
Despite the challenges posed by Verstappen’s strategy, McLaren’s decision to stick with a two-stop plan proved to be the fastest approach, albeit with some inherent risks due to the need for longer stints. Stella concluded that the team’s ability to adapt and manage these challenges played a crucial role in their performance at the Grand Prix.
In the end, McLaren successfully navigated the race dynamics, responding effectively to Verstappen’s strategy and ultimately securing a strong finish. Stella commended the drivers for their efforts and the team’s overall execution in what turned out to be a challenging and competitive race in Spain.
