McLaren Boss Admits Mistake Cost Podium At Qatar Grand Prix: 'Decision Not To Pit...'

Last Updated:December 01, 2025, 08:46 IST

McLaren's pit error at Qatar GP cost Oscar Piastri a win and Lando Norris a podium, letting Max Verstappen claim his 70th victory and extend his title lead.

McLaren boss admits team made strategy blunder at Qatar GP (AP)

McLaren team chief Andrea Stella admitted that the team made a costly strategic mistake on Sunday, resulting in his title-chasing drivers losing out on a victory and a podium finish at the Qatar Grand Prix.

McLaren decided not to pit under an early safety car intervention, while every other team did, which severely impacted their chances. This allowed Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen to take control and secure his 70th career victory.

The Dutchman closed to within 12 points of Lando Norris at the top of the drivers’ title race and is now six points ahead of the unfortunate Australian Oscar Piastri, who seemed poised to win until McLaren’s error.

“It was a decision not to pit and in fairness we didn’t expect everyone else to pit,’ said Stella.

“Obviously, once everyone pitted, it makes that the right thing to do.

“When you have the lead car, you don’t know what the others are going to do. The main reason was related to not expecting everyone else to pit so it was a decision.

“And as a matter of fact it wasn’t the correct decision."

Stella’s admission offered little comfort to his drivers, particularly Piastri, who could have been within seven points of Norris going into the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if he had won.

Drivers’ Reaction

Norris commented, “It’s tough. We just have to have faith in the team to make the right decision.

“It was a gamble and we were the ones who took the gamble in a way. Now it’s the wrong decision and we shouldn’t have done it — Oscar lost the win and I lost P2, so we didn’t do a good job today.

“We’ve done plenty of good jobs in other races. We won the constructors’ six races ago because of that. So, not our finest day, but that’s life."

Piastri said he felt speechless and struggled with the outcome. “Clearly, we didn’t get it right tonight," he said.

“I drove the best race that I could, the fastest that I could. There was nothing left out there. I’ve tried my best, but it wasn’t to be tonight unfortunately.

“In hindsight, it is pretty obvious what we would have done. I am sure we will discuss it as a team. It’s not all bad as it has been a good weekend too – the pace has been very strong, but it is a bit tough to swallow at the moment."

Both drivers and Stella emphasized the need to review the race and the decision-making process before drawing any conclusions about their approach to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend, where Norris can clinch the title if he finishes on the podium.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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