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McLaren definitely need to up their strategy game, Hamilton was nowhere near undercutting distance when they brought Norris in (6 seconds behind I think? And not closing particularly quickly), leaving Piastri out there for an extra lap meant they were always going to be in a crap situation. Didn't sound like they'd ran through the plan with Norris either, outlining that he'd get the advantage to prevent the undercut but would have to cede the place after.
Feel bad for Norris as he probably had the speed to fight for the win had the pit strategy unfolded normally (though McLaren probably would've told them to hold position after the final pit stops). He was put in a pretty shit lose-lose situation by the team. Feel shit for Piastri as he probably feels that he didn't really earn that win.
I'm hoping Red Bull & Mercedes catch up a bit to McLaren, as it definitely has the makings of a great season. At this rate the WDC is absolutely up for grabs, and frankly I wouldn't be surprised if Perez gets the boot mid-season to help with the WCC as that looks to be McLaren-bound at this rate.
mmccarthy-
In demoting Norris it felt like they'd gone to Ferrari F1 tactics school.
Fun race though. I wonder if Norris regrets his decision to push on. I wonder if, had it been Max in his position, he would have let him through immediately but just enough to then DRS attack on the straight.
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Feel shit for Piastri as he probably feels that he didn't really earn that win.
Not sure Oscar would have held on to the lead if they pitted him first. He made a few mistakes and Norris was flying in the second half. Given he's done such a solid job for the team and Lando so far i'd say it was more the execution rather than the decision to swap them back that should be criticised. Keeping Oscar on side is going to be important if they're going to fight for the constructors title and may benefit Lando later on. If he loses the WDC by 6 points then quote me!
Howard
jono84
Well that was awks.
Great result regardless, Max is batshit but i'm kind of liking him atm. Lando just hasn't been the same likeable chap since he broke up with Carlos.