The Race F1 Podcast Qatar GP: Verstappen pounces as McLaren self-sabotage
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Dec 1, 2025 The hosts dive into McLaren's strategy blunders during the Qatar Grand Prix, questioning their focus on equality between drivers over tactical decisions. They analyze how Max Verstappen capitalized on McLaren's mistakes and discuss Oscar Piastri’s impressive comeback. Carlos Sainz's clever race tactics, Williams' surprising performance in the constructors' championship, and Ferrari's struggles are also highlighted. The panel wraps up with a discussion on F1's calendar choices and insights into junior driver promotions.
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Fairness Blindspot Cost McLaren The Race
- McLaren misjudged the safety-car pit decision by prioritising perceived fairness between drivers over likely race dynamics.
- That fixation left both cars isolated and handed Max Verstappen a decisive strategic advantage.
Lap Seven Was The Strategic Pivot
- Lap seven was the clear cut point to pit under the safety car to avoid a slower three-stop strategy and gain a cheap stop.
- McLaren missed that window by assuming others would stay out, which proved catastrophically wrong.
Prioritise Race Outcome Over Equal Strategy
- Weigh traffic, stacking and likely actions of rivals quickly when a safety car appears instead of defaulting to fairness concerns.
- Prioritise maximizing race win probability over equal treatment of drivers in split-strategy situations.