MONDAY MORNING DEBRIEF: How McLaren's tyre gamble unravelled their Canadian Grand Prix
McLaren were set to be Mercedes' closest challengers in the Canadian Grand Prix, but the decision to start their drivers on intermediate tyres quickly backfired.
A perfect start from third on the grid had Lando Norris jumping the Mercedes drivers into the lead of the Canadian Grand Prix, but the decision to fit his McLaren with intermediate tyres for a dry race meant he was never destined to stay there in what turned out to be a disastrous day for the reigning champion and his title-winning team.
McLaren had been optimistic it was on a Mercedes-challenging trajectory after Miami. Another round of upgrades in Montreal had Norris splitting George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in the Sprint, and when he closed the gap to pole to just 0.151s — his narrowest Grand Prix Qualifying deficit all season — the circumstances seemed to be ripe for him to play a protagonist role in the race.
Next Up
Related Articles
F3: Badoer takes first win in Monte Carlo Feature Race
Alpine request Right of Review over Gasly’s missed podium
Antonelli secures brilliant victory in chaotic Monaco GP
Verstappen reflects on ‘painful’ Monaco DNF
Why are there pit lane speed limits and how are they measured?
Leclerc explains shock late retirement in Monaco