Montoya: Qatar a 'wake-up call' for McLaren, drivers 'pissed off'
Juan Pablo Montoya criticized McLaren's strategy at the Qatar GP, calling it a 'wake-up call' and noting the frustration of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Despite strong car performance, the team's tire decisions led to Max Verstappen's victory, intensifying the championship battle. As the F1 season concludes in Abu Dhabi, McLaren faces pressure to refine its strategy and maximize its potential.
Juan Pablo Montoya believes the Qatar Grand Prix served as a major 'wake-up call' for McLaren, highlighting driver frustration after a strategic gamble saw Max Verstappen win while Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished second and fourth, respectively. The Woking-based team's decision to diverge from common tire strategies left their drivers trailing Verstappen, who now leads Norris by 12 points and Piastri by six in the standings.
Why it matters:
After a strong mid-season resurgence, McLaren's performance in Qatar, particularly its strategic choices, raised questions about their championship ambitions. Montoya's comments underscore a critical moment for the team: maintaining momentum and making optimal race-day decisions will be paramount if they are to genuinely challenge Red Bull and secure higher positions in the Constructors' Championship.
The Details:
- Strategic Misstep: McLaren opted for a different tire strategy than most competitors at the Qatar Grand Prix, which ultimately cost Piastri and Norris valuable points. Verstappen capitalized, winning the race while the McLaren pair settled for P2 and P4.
- Driver Frustration: According to Montoya, both Piastri and Norris were "pissed off" with the outcome. Norris, in particular, had a challenging weekend, struggling with car comfort from the first practice session.
- Championship Implications: Following the Qatar result, Max Verstappen now holds a 12-point lead over Norris and is six points ahead of Piastri in the standings, tightening the battle for top spots as the season concludes.
- Upcoming Abu Dhabi GP: Montoya views the Yas Marina Circuit as a potentially strong track for McLaren, suggesting a chance for the team to rebound. He also hinted at potential team orders between Piastri and Norris if Red Bull proves superior.
What's next:
The F1 season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the three championship contenders—Verstappen, Piastri, and Norris—are set to share the stage at the FIA press conference. The race weekend kicks off with FP1 on Friday, with Pato O'Ward stepping in for Oscar Piastri in one of the McLaren cars during the session.
Between the lines:
Montoya's strong words highlight the fine line between aggressive strategy and costly mistakes in Formula 1. While McLaren has shown impressive car development, their execution under pressure, particularly in crucial races, will define their status as true title contenders. The 'wake-up call' could be a catalyst for more decisive and unified team strategies in the future, especially as the competition tightens.