McLaren mocked over calamitous decision: 'What on earth were they doing?'

McLaren's decision to start Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on intermediate tyres at the Canadian Grand Prix has been widely condemned across the F1 paddock. The gamble on a cold, lightly damp track forced both drivers to pit for slicks within two laps, destroying their races. Karun Chandhok says rival engineers and drivers were left bewildered, with one asking: 'What on earth were they doing?'

Why it matters:

The blunder cost McLaren a potential double points finish and exposed a strategic weakness that could hinder its championship ambitions. After a strong start to the season, the team can ill afford such self-inflicted wounds in a tightly competitive field.

The details:

• McLaren was one of several teams – including Audi, Cadillac, and Carlos Sainz – to choose intermediates for the start, but the track was far too dry for the compound.
• Piastri radioed during the extra formation lap that it was a mistake; both drivers pitted for medium slicks on Lap 1 or 2, dropping to the back.
• Norris made a great start to pass both Mercedes but then struggled with tyre warm-up on mediums, later retiring with a gearbox failure. Chandhok estimated he could have finished seventh or eighth.
• Piastri was stuck in traffic and later collided with Alex Albon, earning a 10-second penalty. He finished 11th, two laps down.
• Former strategist Bernie Collins argued McLaren made its own luck, as every problem stemmed from the initial tyre call.

What's next:

McLaren must urgently review its decision-making process. With the next race in Monaco, where strategy is critical, the team cannot afford another miscalculation. The paddock's mockery will sting, but the focus must be on avoiding repeat errors.