P1racenews AI automatic summary:
That stunning first lap overtake? That was all part of McLaren’s plan…
Oscar Piastri’s overtaking maneuver on Lando Norris during the first lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix demonstrated his determination not to give up easily.
The move garnered attention for its precision in a race where such wheel-to-wheel battles were uncommon between Piastri and Norris.
However, McLaren’s strategic element came to light thanks to team boss Andrea Stella, revealing that the early switch of positions between their drivers was tactical.
Teams approached the race unsure about tire graining and the possibility of a one- or two-stop strategy.
McLaren’s decision to split strategies for Norris and Piastri aimed to exploit their drivers’ different needs and push Verstappen on his medium tires.
The move to put Piastri on the hard tire was a calculated decision to pressure Verstappen and create potential tire issues for the Red Bull driver.
Overall, the strategic choices made by McLaren before and during the race proved essential in their approach to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
