McLaren: Qatar F1 stint lengths flattered us compared to Red Bull
McLaren thinks the mandated 18-lap stints in Formula 1’s Qatar Grand Prix flattered its performance as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris stuck close to Red Bull’s winner Max Versta
Piastri took his second grand prix podium in F1 by finishing 4.5s behind the Dutchman at Losail, with Norris crossing the line in thirdΒ just one second behind his team-mate.
Due to concerns over potential tyre failures,Β stint lengths were reduced to a maximum of 18 lapsΒ on a single set of tyres, effectively mandating three-stops in the 57-lap race.
McLarenΒ was tipped to excel on the high downforce track and its one-lap pace indeed appeared genuine, as evidenced by Piastri winning Saturday’s 19-lap sprint from pole.
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“I think first of all the leader’s strategy is a little sub-optimal from a race time point of view, because it is the safest strategy when you add in the margin,” Stella said.
“It protects you from a late safety car, so there is a flattering element in the fact that they were on a strategy that loses time.
“Secondly, I am not sure how much they were pushing. I was certainly perceiving that maybe Max didnβt have so much in hand like he had other times.”
Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60, leaves his pit box after a story