Fans react to McLaren's disastrous strategy for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris


F1 fans have expressed their frustration online McLarenThe disastrous Qatar Grand Prix strategy call that kept out Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris during an early safety car. What looked like a straightforward double podium for the Papaya outfit was derailed when the team committed to an ill-fated alternative strategy.

The Qatar GP already looked set to be a two-stop race due to Pirelli's 25-lap limit, so when the safety car appeared on lap 7 of 57, most drivers immediately pitted to align their strategy.

But the Woking team, which ran P1 and P3 with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norrishe stayed out while all the other drivers stopped. This gave the rest of the field a free stop.

Piastri and Norris used their pace to recover, but neither could catch Max Verstappenwho took his seventh win of the 2025 season at Lusail. Piastri still finished second while Norris dropped to fourth.

F1 fans online have been stunned by this strategy call by the British team, with many questioning the thinking behind the decision.

“This has got to be the best bottle job ever. McLaren you're going to be slammed for everything you've done today,” said one fan.

This has got to be the best bottle job ever. McLaren will criticize you for everything you did today. Stupid is not even a word, maybe there are no words to describe this crappy strategy.

“How on earth has McLaren given Max the win…” said another user.

How the hell did McLaren give Max the win…

“McLaren was so focused on being 'fair' to both drivers that they would rather stay out and most likely screw their races and let the max win than just put one in and keep them in the race,” another fan noted.

Mclaren was so focused on being “fair” to both drivers that they would rather stay out and most likely screw up their races and let max win than just put one in and keep them in the race.

Here are some more reactions:

“First time Lando and Oscar fans can agree on mutual sabotage didn't realize Jos was our strategist,” joked one user.

Lando and Oscar fans for the first time can agree on mutual sabotage did not realize that Jo was our strategist

“@McLarenF1, you somehow managed to beat Ferrari for the worst strategy ever,” said another fan.

@McLarenF1, you somehow managed to beat Ferrari for the worst strategy of all time

“The ideal scenario at the moment is for Max to win the wdc. Not because I like it, but because it would show Mclaren's incompetence,” said another user.

The ideal scenario at this point is that max wins the wdc. not because I like it, but because it would show Mclaren's incompetence

The results in Qatar now indicate that Max Verstappen has overtaken Oscar Piastri in the drivers' standings heading into the final round. The Dutchman is also just 12 points behind Lando Norris, with just the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to go.

Oscar Piastri has left “mouthful” after McLaren's strategy in the Qatar GP

Oscar Piastri during the Qatar Grand Prix - Source: GettyOscar Piastri during the Qatar Grand Prix - Source: Getty
Oscar Piastri during the Qatar Grand Prix – Source: Getty

Oscar Piastri said he was left “speechless” after missing out on the race win at the Qatar GP, largely due to his McLaren's strategic call. The Australian driver was at the front in the early stages of the race after starting the race on pole.

After crossing the finish line at the end of the race, Piastri didn't have much to say, but he made his feelings clear over the team radio, saying:

“Speechless. I have no words.”

What looked to be the perfect weekend for Piastri ended on a sour note in the race, which he would have expected to win given the MCL39's prowess at the Lusail International Circuit. The 24-year-old won the sprint earlier in the weekend and also took pole position, but now finds himself third in the championship heading into the final round.

Max Verstappen only needs to repeat this weekend in Abu Dhabi to secure his fifth drivers' title as he is now just 12 points clear of Norris.