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McLaren team chief Andrea Stella admitted his team made a costly strategic blunder at this morning’s Qatar Grand Prix that cost his title-chasing drivers a victory and a podium finish.

McLaren’s decision not to pit under an early safety car intervention when every other team pitted both drivers wrecked their hopes as Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen took control and claimed his 70th career victory.

The Dutchman moved within 12 points of Lando Norris at the top of the drivers’ title race, six ahead of luckless Australian Oscar Piastri, who looked certain to win until derailed by McLaren’s blunder.

“It was a decision not to pit and in fairness we didn’t expect everyone else to pit,” said Stella.

“Obviously, once everyone pitted, it makes that the right thing to do.

“When you have the lead car, you don’t know what the others are going to do. The main reason was related to not expecting everyone else to pit, so it was a decision.

“And as a matter of fact, it wasn’t the correct decision.”

Lando Norris leads Max Verstappen at the Grand Prix of Qatar. Photo / Red Bull

His mea culpa on behalf of McLaren offered little solace to his drivers, particularly Piastri, who could have moved within seven points of Norris ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if he had won.

Norris said, “It’s tough. We just have to have faith in the team to make the right decision.

“It was a gamble and we were the ones who took the gamble in a way. Now it’s the wrong decision and we shouldn’t have done it – Oscar lost the win and I lost P2, so we didn’t do a good job today.

“We’ve done plenty of good jobs in other races. We won the constructors’ six races ago because of that. So, not our finest day, but that’s life.”

Piastri said he felt speechless and struggled with the outcome.

“I drove the best race that I could, the fastest that I could. There was nothing left out there. I’ve tried my best, but it wasn’t to be tonight, unfortunately.

“In hindsight, it is pretty obvious what we would have done. I am sure we will discuss it as a team. It’s not all bad as it has been a good weekend too – the pace has been very strong, but it is a bit tough to swallow at the moment.”

Both drivers and Stella made clear they were expecting to review the race and the decision-making before reaching any conclusions about their approach to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend where Norris can clinch the title if he finishes on the podium.

Kiwi ace Liam Lawson strengthened his case for keeping a Racing Bulls contract next year when he finished ninth, after qualifying in 12th.

– AFP