P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren boss Andrea Stella admitted that its strategy error in the F1 Qatar GP was “significantly penalising”, having effectively gifted the race to Max Verstappen.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella acknowledged that their strategy error in the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix greatly benefited Max Verstappen and cost them the race.
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were leading the race when an incident between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly changed the dynamics of the event.
Due to a maximum 25-lap limit on tire usage, teams had to adopt a uniformed tire strategy, complicating McLaren’s decision-making process.
Red Bull reacted quickly to the Safety Car caused by the Hulkenberg-Gasly collision, pitting Verstappen and ultimately securing the win.
Stella admitted that McLaren’s decision to keep both cars out instead of pitting was wrong, as Verstappen’s subsequent pit stop for Hards allowed him to secure the victory.
The defeat to Red Bull in Qatar narrowed the championship gap, setting up a showdown between Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri in the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Stella highlighted that the fierce competition in F1 is exposing McLaren’s errors, leading to the loss in strategy and points in crucial races.
