Doha ¨C McLaren team chief Andrea Stella admitted his team made a costly strategic blunder on Sunday that cost his title-chasing drivers a victory and a podium finish at the Qatar Grand Prix.
McLaren¡¯s decision not to pit under an early safety car intervention when every other team pitted both drivers wrecked its 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 he was derailed by McLaren¡¯s blunder.
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