McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has refuted claims that the team's split strategy at the Hungarian Grand Prix was unfair to Oscar Piastri, despite Lando Norris securing victory with a one-stop approach. Norris's win reduced Piastri's championship lead to nine points.
Why it matters:
Norris's ability to maximize a one-stop strategy, which was not initially the baseline plan, was key to his victory. The team aimed to provide fair racing opportunities for both drivers while ensuring optimal performance against competitors.
The Details:
- Norris's one-stop: While a two-stop was McLaren's default strategy, Norris's strong performance on worn tires made the one-stop viable as the race progressed.
- Piastri's two-stop: Piastri's strategy involved two stops, designed to give him a tire advantage to pass Leclerc and maintain a fair chance against Norris. Stella noted that Piastri was consulted on this approach.
- Outcome Equivalence: Stella stated that both strategies proved "quite equivalent" in terms of overall performance, validating the team's adaptive approach.
- Previous Instances: This isn't the first time McLaren has used differing strategies; a similar situation occurred at the Belgian Grand Prix.
McLaren's Philosophy:
Stella emphasized McLaren's commitment to "great racing" and allowing both drivers to express their talent and pursue success within the team's interests and fairness principles. He highlighted the mutual respect and understanding between Norris and Piastri regarding these tactical decisions.