Piastri Reflects on McLaren’s Strategic Blunder at British Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri has spoken out about McLaren’s decision to leave him out an extra lap on slicks on a damp track during Formula 1’s British Grand Prix, calling it “instantly wrong.” The Australian driver finished fourth at Silverstone, one position behind his teammate Lando Norris, as McLaren squandered a potential chance to win the race with both drivers.
Formula 1 Strategy
Formula 1 today is all about making the right strategic calls, and McLaren’s failure to do so cost them dearly. Piastri and Norris had capitalized on the MCL38’s performance in the rain, passing the two Mercedes drivers to take the top two spots. However, when the rain intensified, Norris pitted, while Piastri was left out on slicks. The decision proved to be a costly one, as the Australian lost significant time tiptoeing back to the pits on his Medium compound.
“I would say joint [decision], I think to be honest, that decision in the race is probably the hardest call you’re ever going to have in motor racing,” Piastri reflected.
Piastri eventually regained one spot to finish fourth, thanks to a smart call to switch to Mediums later in the race. Nevertheless, he was left ruing the strategic mishap, which left him 12 seconds off the lead.
Double Stacking
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has admitted that the team should have stopped Piastri with Norris, and the Australian driver believes that double stacking would have been the better call.
“Yes, it was. I think we just need to review if we put enough weight on that decision,” Piastri said.
Piastri knew that the decision was wrong as soon as he began the next lap, stating that the “last couple of corners were very, very tough” and he could see on his dash that Norris was “like five seconds behind” him when he pitted.
Piastri’s Perspective
Piastri has denied suggestions that he could have reduced his pace to ensure McLaren stopped him earlier, citing his desire to take the lead and gain priority.
“Not really, because I knew if I got in front, then it would be my priority because we were going to the pits,” he said.
Looking back on the race, Piastri acknowledged that the decision was one of the toughest in motor racing, saying, “The team, don’t know which cars are going to come in first to the pits. Yeah, it’s just incredibly tough.”
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