McLaren: Qatar, Fatal Error. Does the Ghost of 2007 Revive in F1?

The Qatar Grand Prix: McLaren and a Disastrous Strategy that Costs the Championship

DOHA, Qatar – Disappointment and astonishment took hold of the Lusail circuit after the Qatar Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri, visibly affected, summed up the general feeling: “No words. I have no words.” The race, marked by a series of wrong strategic decisions by McLaren, gave the victory to Max Verstappen and endangered Piastri’s aspirations in the fight for the championship. In the early laps, McLaren made a crucial error by not pitting their cars under the safety car on lap 7. This decision opened the door for Verstappen to win the race and move closer to his fifth world title, deprived Piastri of a well-deserved victory, and frustrated Lando Norris’s opportunity to challenge Verstappen or secure the championship. The error, which could be remembered as one of the worst in Formula 1 history, led to the championship being decided in Abu Dhabi.

Obviously, it wasn’t our best day.

Lando Norris

The situation worsened as it was McLaren’s second mistake in a week, following the double disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This pattern of errors recalled the 2007 season, when an internal struggle between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton allowed Kimi Räikkönen to take the championship. McLaren, by not favoring either of its drivers, generated frustration and misunderstandings, a situation similar to the one Verstappen is experiencing with the full support of Red Bull. Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, had stated that he preferred to see Verstappen win the title rather than alter the policy of allowing Norris and Piastri to compete freely. This philosophy, along with decisions that harmed Piastri, has generated controversy. Piastri, who conceded important points in Monza and was affected by strategic decisions in other races, is now in an unfavorable position. Piastri, although not mathematically out of the fight, will have to come back in Abu Dhabi. The question that arises is whether he will be asked to support his teammate to ensure that McLaren does not lose the constructors’ championship. The team could find itself in the need to make difficult decisions, which raises questions about fairness and strategy in the team.

McLaren’s strategic error, similar to the technical infringement in Las Vegas, originated in the technical details of Formula 1. The Qatar race was governed by a new rule that required stops every 25 laps due to concerns about Pirelli tire wear. The timing of the safety car was key, and the decision not to stop at the opportune moment cost McLaren the possibility of a double podium. The strategy, which should have guaranteed a favorable result for McLaren, was based on a flexibility that was not justified on a circuit where overtaking was difficult. The lack of a pit stop prevented Piastri and Norris from capitalizing on the advantage they had on the track. The decision not to do a double pit stop, a common strategy in other teams, was a mistake that the Mercedes team highlighted as a missed opportunity. Norris’s career engineer, Will Joseph, justified the decision citing strategic flexibility, but reality proved otherwise. Norris, who finished fifth, was affected by this strategy. The situation leaves open the possibility of team orders and controversial decisions in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen’s performance has been impressive, with five victories in the last eight races. The Dutch driver, nicknamed “Chucky” for his relentlessness, has shown great skill. Despite a mistake in the Spanish Grand Prix, which cost him points, Verstappen has maintained a very high level of performance. McLaren’s season, on the other hand, could be remembered as a series of errors that could cost them the championship.