F1 Update: McLaren explains its strategy blunder in Qatar GP, Red Bull driver decision imminently

Max Verstappen has closed the gap to championship leader Lando Norris to just twelve points after his F1 win in Qatar. Red Bull’s race pace turned out to be better than expected, although McLaren’s strategy was the main talking point in the paddock. The team decided not to make a “free pitstop” during the early safety car, immediately triggering thoughts of the much-discussed “papaya rules”. However, McLaren emphasises that was not the reason behind its strategy blunder.Instead, Andrea Stella pointed to three different factors. Ronald Vording discusses those extensively in a new episode of the F1 Update, as well as McLaren’s approach heading into the big finale in Abu Dhabi. There is further attention for the moment that saw Lando Norris pass Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the pressure Max Verstappen tries to put on McLaren, the upcoming driver announcement of both Red Bull teams, Carlos Sainz’s podium finish, and yet another difficult weekend for Ferrari.