P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has defended the maligned call to send Lando Norris out on track first during a turbulent Q3 for the F1 Azerbaijan GP.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has defended the maligned decision to send Lando Norris out on track first during a turbulent Q3 session at the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The session was marked by six interruptions, leading teams to opt for different strategies. Despite Norris being first out, he brushed the wall, finishing in seventh place on the grid. The call, criticized by Norris as a “mistake,” aimed to ensure a clean lap amidst yellow flags and time pressure. Stella emphasized the risks of waiting and believed sending Norris out first was justified to secure a strong lap amid uncertain conditions. In hindsight, both Norris and McLaren acknowledged that the choice may have backfired, yet they remain optimistic for the unpredictable race ahead.
