McLaren defends Norris pit decision after red flag drama

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has firmly defended the team's decision to pit Lando Norris during the chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix, despite the timing ultimately compromising their race when a subsequent red flag reshuffled the running order.

What began as a promising weekend for McLaren, with Norris securing pole position and a chance to capitalize on championship rival Max Verstappen's 17th place start, unraveled through a series of unfortunate timing incidents that relegated the British driver to sixth place by the race's conclusion.

Strategic decisions under pressure

The critical moment came when deteriorating weather conditions forced the team to make a quick decision regarding tire strategy.

McLaren opted for a conservative approach, bringing Norris in for fresh intermediate tires as rainfall intensified.

"We have to say that some of the positions we lost with the red flag, we felt it was the right thing to pit when so much water was coming. And we don't regret that,"

Stella explained to Viaplay, characterizing the decision as a "cautious pit stop."

Impact of racing regulations

The situation was further complicated when a red flag period shortly after allowed competitors who hadn't pitted - including Verstappen - to effectively gain a free tire change.

This sequence of events particularly frustrated Norris, who criticized the existing regulations.

"They [Red Bull] got lucky on a rule that no one agrees with,"

Norris told Sky Sports F1.

"It was just unlucky. I don't care about the hindsight side of things, that's luck for them, nothing more."

Looking beyond the result

Despite the disappointing outcome from pole position, McLaren maintained focus on the broader championship picture.

Stella emphasized the importance of securing points against their constructor championship rivals Ferrari, suggesting the result still held positive implications for their season-end goals.

"If we look at the constructors' championship, it's important that we out-score Ferrari and this sets the situation strongly for the final part of the season,"

Stella noted, finding silver linings in an otherwise challenging race day.

The team's unwavering support for their strategic decision-making was echoed by Norris himself, who defended the pit call despite its ultimate impact on his race position.

"I have faith in the team in what they are saying and they have trust in me,"

he affirmed, dismissing suggestions that staying out might have been a viable alternative as "a stupid thing to think of."