McLaren team principal Andrea Stella admitted that Max Verstappen’s three-stop strategy at the Spanish Grand Prix had the team worried, initially thinking it wouldn’t be a problem. Verstappen’s pace and strategy effectively put pressure on McLaren’s lead.
Verstappen’s rapid pace forced McLaren to adjust their race strategy, responding with timely pit stops for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Despite the pressure, Norris managed to hold off Verstappen in the later stages of the race on his final set of soft tires.
Stella acknowledged the need for McLaren drivers to manage rear tire overheating and front-left tire wear. Both drivers executed the two-stop strategy effectively, balancing speed and risk in response to Verstappen’s aggressive race tactics.
Overall, Stella commended the drivers, tire engineers, and race execution, highlighting the team’s successful performance in a challenging race scenario. The strategy adjustments and driver management were crucial in securing McLaren’s competitive position throughout the Grand Prix.
