Karun Chandhok has provided an insight into how McLaren’s unexpected strategy call at the Canadian Grand Prix was received in the F1 paddock.
McLaren’s decision to start Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on intermediate tires at the Canadian Grand Prix has received strong criticism from insiders in the paddock. Karun Chandhok revealed that engineers and drivers from rival teams were puzzled by the call. The team chose the green-walled Pirellis for a Circuit Gilles Villeneuve that was cold and slightly damp, but not wet enough to warrant that choice. The decision quickly backfired, with Piastri acknowledging the mistake during the formation lap and both drivers having to pit early for slicks, losing their qualifying positions. Chandhok mentioned that many other drivers and engineers from different teams expressed bewilderment at McLaren’s choice, emphasizing that none of the top teams believed using intermediates was a wise move. While Norris briefly benefited from the softer compound, Chandhok highlighted that the risky decision was destined to fail, as evidenced by how quickly its flaws became apparent.
