P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s strategy blunder a “wake-up call” ahead of Abu Dhabi title decider
Juan Pablo Montoya, a former F1 driver, views McLaren’s strategy error at the Qatar Grand Prix as a necessary wake-up call before the upcoming title decider this weekend. Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri are all contenders for the F1 championship in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris holds a 12-point lead over Verstappen, needing a podium finish to secure the title. Piastri’s path to victory likely requires Norris’s retirement and beating Verstappen for the win. McLaren’s strategic misstep in Qatar has made their task harder, with the team opting to keep both drivers on track under the Safety Car. Despite the setbacks, Montoya believes McLaren should be less conservative in the title showdown and sees potential for success in Abu Dhabi. Jolyon Palmer considers Norris the frontrunner and emphasizes the need for him to clear his mind ahead of the crucial race, noting that without penalties, Norris would have already clinched the championship.
