P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren has denied Lando Norris losing track position to Max Verstappen on the first lap in Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix prompted its alternative strategic choice. Norris lined up on pole position, but he slipped to third on the opening lap as he ended up getting sandwiched between Max Verstappen’ and George Russell at Turn […]
Norris started on pole position but slipped to third on the opening lap due to getting sandwiched between Verstappen and Russell. McLaren had Norris tailing Mercedes’ rear amid Verstappen’s lead. McLaren opted to keep Norris out on track longer than Red Bull during pit stops. Despite ending up 2.2 seconds behind catching Verstappen, McLaren’s Stella explained that their strategy in Barcelona would have been the same regardless of Norris’ starting position. McLaren’s strategist team received criticism but were praised for sticking to their original plan amid pressure from other teams to pit earlier. Norris achieved his sixth podium this season, helping McLaren close the gap to Ferrari in the championship standings.
