This forum contains threads to discuss teams themselves. Anything not technical about the cars, including restructuring, performances etc belongs here.
Before, McLaren had both a tire temperature management advantage and a downforce advantage. Red Bull seems to have fixed the latter now. So, especially while battling McLaren's we should see McLaren's tire temperature managemetn kick in.
It could be that their tire management advantage resulted from their overall downforce and balance advantage, and that the former has been taken care of by addressing the later. Time will tell.
The pace was coming back to him after the initial laps but still wouldn't be enough to hold the MCL in the race. They have to find a better compromise.
A win is a win. They now have data to adjust the setup for the rest of the weekend.
They don't have proper data, some partial fits-n-starts data. I think the rear tyres were out of the 'window' staying in the wake of the safety car - was struggling with traction from T11 and T20.
Max gap to Lando now is 33 points, and 55 to Piastri. With 6 full races and also 2 sprints remaining (166 points available). We are still on the same page as before this sprint, Max has to win 5-6 races to have a small chance. Russel nearly crashed into Verstappen today with a dive-bomb, but Max looked into the mirrors and went off the track. Which was a wise decision. Now we need to be on the front row for the main race and another 10 points to gain with Piastri and lets say 7 to Lando. Its gonna be hard, but will see. The car didnt looked very good today, lacking some rear downforce/grip. They should just make this race a priority, not qualy, and try something better with the setup. Some small final adjustment.
McLaren drivers have been making mistakes under pressure, costing them valuable points, Piastri, in particular, seems less aware of his surroundings in high-pressure situations. In contrast, Verstappen demonstrates the qualities of a true champion. Based on current performance, I don’t see the same level of championship potential in either Piastri or Norris, which is why I believe Max is likely to come out on top this season, even from this from a deficit. Few more mistakes like this from Piastri and that's it.
