The start of the Canadian Grand Prix provided one of the most unexpected strategic moments when McLaren’s rivals saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri put on intermediate tires.
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While the rain had dampened the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit before the start, the track was already drying as the cars lined up on the grid.
In these tricky conditions, McLaren took a bold gamble by fitting both its cars with intermediate tires, while the majority of the field – including the leaders – opted for slicks.
Verstappen amused by McLaren’s gamble
Starting from the second row, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri quickly expressed their doubts on the radio during the formation lap, feeling they were probably not on the right tires.
Although Norris briefly managed to take the lead in the first corners, the reality of the situation quickly became clear: the track was drying rapidly and McLaren had to call its drivers in very early to switch to medium tires, ruining a chance for a big result.
At the forefront of amused observers was Max Verstappen, who did not hide his reaction to this strategic choice.
“It was an excellent choice,” said the Red Bull driver ironically. “I thought to myself: ‘Thank you.'”
Antonelli also surprised
Race winner Kimi Antonelli also admitted to being surprised by McLaren’s gamble, although he understood the logic that could justify it given uncertain weather.
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“It wasn’t an easy situation, because it started to drizzle a bit more,” explained the Italian. “You could see the track becoming slightly wetter, but we were quite confident that it wouldn’t last long and that we could hold on.”
“So we chose the slicks. And obviously, I was surprised to see the McLarens on intermediates.”
Antonelli nevertheless believes that this choice could be defended if the rain had intensified.
“It was a huge gamble. Of course, if it had started raining again, it would have been very good for them, but that didn’t happen.”
The Mercedes driver also recalled that the first laps remained tricky despite the choice of slick tires.
“The start wasn’t easy, it was very easy to lock the wheels and the curbs were a bit tricky during the first laps. The conditions weren’t simple, but once the car was up to speed, the track was completely dry after a few laps and the race became normal.”
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