Formula 1 News Today: McLaren Defends Strategic Decision in Spanish GP, Citing Track Conditions
McLaren’s Formula 1 team has rejected suggestions that Lando Norris’ loss of track position to Max Verstappen on the first lap of the Spanish Grand Prix prompted an alternative strategic choice. Norris, who started on pole position, slipped to third on the opening lap after being sandwiched between Verstappen and George Russell at Turn 1.
Speaking to the media, McLaren’s strategist, Stella, explained that the team’s approach would have remained the same even if Norris had maintained his lead. “I think we would have done exactly the same strategy even leading,” Stella said. “Because we are in Barcelona. In Monaco, we would have done a different strategy.”
Stella noted that McLaren was surprised by other teams’ decision to pit early, citing the high degradation rate and ease of overtaking at the Barcelona circuit. “We thought this is going to bring us back in the race,” he said.
Norris ultimately finished 2.2 seconds behind Verstappen, but Stella defended the team’s strategy, praising the work of McLaren’s strategists. > “So actually, I would like to praise the good work of our strategists,” he added. “Because somehow this is what we had in mind.”
The sixth podium finish for Norris this season, combined with teammate Oscar Piastri’s seventh-place finish, has seen McLaren close to within 33 points of second-placed Ferrari in the Formula 1 standings. The team’s strategic decision-making has come under scrutiny in recent races, including the Canadian Grand Prix, where a split-second delay under a Safety Car period cost Norris the lead.
However, Stella emphasized the importance of sticking to their original plan, despite the pressure to pit early. “Sometimes you just have to pit, if that makes sense,” he said. “But here it can be very costly if you start pitting too early.”
The outcome of the Spanish Grand Prix has provided valuable insight into the intricacies of Formula 1 strategy, with McLaren’s approach highlighting the importance of adapting to track conditions and tyre management. As the Formula 1 season continues, fans will be closely watching the team’s strategic decisions, particularly in light of their current Formula 1 standings.
(formula1.com)
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