The recent races in the Formula 1 season have taken a dramatic turn for McLaren, particularly following a double disqualification in Las Vegas due to technical violations. The team found themselves grappling with the implications of this ruling as they approached the crucial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled for December 3, 2023.
In Las Vegas, McLaren was disqualified when the underfloors of their cars were found to be under the required thickness as per the regulations. This incident marked a significant setback for the team, which was already under pressure as the championship neared its climax. The following race in Qatar revealed further complications for McLaren. The circuit, known for its high-speed layout, placed immense demands on tire performance, an issue that has historically led to failures.
Pirelli, the exclusive tire supplier for Formula 1, set strict regulations for tire pressures, mandating a minimum of 29 psi at the front and 24.5 psi at the rear. Additionally, teams were prohibited from using any tire for more than 25 laps, which effectively forced drivers to manage their pit stops carefully throughout the 57-lap race.
The pivotal moment occurred when a Safety Car was deployed on Lap 7 following a collision between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly. This allowed many teams to pit without losing substantial time. McLaren, however, decided against pitting their lead driver, Oscar Piastri, along with Lando Norris, which proved to be a critical miscalculation.
With most teams taking advantage of the Safety Car, Piastri, who had been leading the race, lost his advantageous position. Max Verstappen and the rest of the pack were able to close the gap, benefiting from a free pit stop that effectively gained them 26 seconds on the track. McLaren’s decision to stay out, hoping for strategic flexibility later in the race, backfired when the situation unfolded unfavorably.
Andrea Stella, the team principal, confirmed that the choice was a deliberate strategy rather than a mistake. The aim was to maintain tire flexibility, but this gamble did not pay off. Piastri, who had shown exceptional performance throughout the weekend, managed to reduce the gap to Verstappen but still finished eight seconds behind.
Despite this setback, Verstappen capitalized on McLaren’s misjudgment, positioning himself firmly in contention for the championship as the season draws to a close. Norris struggled throughout the race, unable to find the pace to match Piastri and encountering challenges that left him fighting for a lower position than expected.
Carlos Sainz’s third-place finish was a highlight for Ferrari, a team that has faced its own difficulties this season. Team principal Fred Vasseur blamed the high tire pressures for their lack of performance, which has left Ferrari fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull.
As the teams prepare for the final race in Abu Dhabi, McLaren finds itself at a crossroads. With a 12-point lead in the championship, Norris must now navigate the pressures of potential title glory against Verstappen, who remains a formidable opponent. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as both teams and drivers gear up for what promises to be an electrifying finale to the 2025 season.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, allowing fans around the world to witness the culmination of a season filled with intense competition and unexpected twists.
