P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren Formula 1 boss Andrea Stella has revealed that the team considered opting for a one-stop race following the red
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri began the race on the Medium compound, but the race was red-flagged on the first lap due to a collision between Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo. McLaren maintained their position on the same tires for the standing restart, with Norris moving up to second after undercutting Sergio Perez. However, McLaren’s strategy did not help them overcome their pace deficit, resulting in Norris dropping to fifth behind Perez and the Ferrari drivers. Mercedes switched to the Hard compound during the stoppage to aim for a one-stop strategy, but had to revert to a two-stop due to poor pace. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was able to make a one-stop work and finish fourth, showcasing the race pace of the team. McLaren opted for a second stop for Norris, but Carlos Sainz passed both McLarens on fresher tires towards the end. As McLaren secured more points than Mercedes and Aston Martin for the fourth consecutive race, they maintain a comfortable lead for third place in the Constructors’ Championship. Team principal Andrea Stella expressed satisfaction with McLaren’s consistent third-place performance this season.