McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, reflected on the British Grand Prix, acknowledging areas for improvement in their strategy calls despite a strong showing from both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Early promise fades
The race began brightly for McLaren with Norris taking the lead after overtaking several competitors, including championship contenders Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Piastri followed closely behind, putting the McLaren duo in a dream 1-2 position.
Tricky tire calls under worsening rain
The arrival of rain necessitated a switch to intermediate tires. McLaren opted to keep Piastri out for an extra lap before bringing him in, hoping to capitalize on slightly drier conditions. However, the gamble backfired as the rain intensified, forcing Piastri to navigate around backmarkers on slower tires, costing him valuable time.
Norris battles but falls short
Norris, who had led for a significant portion of the race, also faced a setback with a slow pit stop during the final switch to slick tires. This put him behind Hamilton and a strategically astute Verstappen, who opted for hard compound tires that proved more durable. While Norris finished a respectable fourth, the potential for a podium finish remained a topic of discussion.
Learning from hindsight
Stella admitted that a double stack pit stop, bringing both drivers in consecutively during the first round of stops, might have been the more strategic decision. He acknowledged the team’s desire to avoid losing time, but conceded that patience and a focus on the long game would have been more beneficial.
Soft vs. Medium tires: A missed opportunity?
Norris’ final pit stop also presented an opportunity for a different approach. Stella admitted that pitting him alongside Hamilton and Verstappen might have been a better call. Additionally, the team opted for the softer compound tire for Norris, whereas the harder compound chosen by Verstappen proved more resilient.
While the team consulted with Norris on his tire preference, Stella emphasized that the final call lies with the team. He acknowledged that the medium compound might have been the better choice, and that consulting with Norris may have led to a case of “self-doubt” within the team.
Taking responsibility and moving forward
Stella shouldered the responsibility for the strategic shortcomings, assuring that the team will review the race and use the learnings to improve future performances.
Looking at the bright side
Despite the strategic missteps, Stella highlighted the positives from the race. Both McLaren drivers overtook Red Bull cars and challenged the Mercedes duo, showcasing the car’s potential. He emphasized the strong teamwork and the car’s consistent performance throughout the practice sessions and the race weekend.
McLaren's path forward
While acknowledging areas for improvement, the British Grand Prix offered valuable insights for McLaren. By learning from these strategic decisions, the team can position itself for even stronger performances in upcoming races. The focus remains on capitalizing on the car’s potential and translating it into consistent podium finishes.
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