Palmer: Mercedes Won Miami GP Because McLaren Hesitated on Strategy

Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Mercedes won the Miami Grand Prix because they were proactive while McLaren hesitated, citing a decisive undercut that put Kimi Antonelli ahead of Lando Norris. McLaren appeared to hold out for expected rain that never came, allowing Mercedes to seize the moment and secure victory.

Why it matters:

McLaren had the pace to win, but a strategic misstep—rooted in over-reliance on a weather forecast—cost them the race. For a team fighting at the front, this highlights how split-second decisions and proactive calls can outweigh raw car performance. Mercedes, meanwhile, showed they can outthink a rival with superior speed.

The details:

• The undercut: Antonelli pitted one lap earlier than Norris, thanks to a 2.2-second stop and a blistering out-lap. McLaren’s response came a lap too late, and the lead was lost.
• Weather factor: McLaren’s pit wall was more convinced rain would hit than other teams. They hesitated to commit to dry tyres early, hoping for a wet advantage that never materialized.
• Palmer’s view: “They weren't proactive and they cost themselves the race win. But on the flip side, Mercedes were proactive and they won the race.” He noted that the weather chatter was “laughable” at times, and McLaren dithered while Mercedes acted decisively.
• Pace vs. strategy: Palmer added that a couple more tenths on the car might have let McLaren escape a bad decision, but they had the pace—just not the strategy.

The big picture:

Miami was a reminder that in modern F1, race wins often hinge on strategy precision rather than outright speed. McLaren’s hesitation highlights a growing pain for a team still learning to manage championship expectations. For Mercedes, the victory—their second of the season—validates their aggressive approach and puts them firmly in the title conversation.

What's next:

As the season moves to Imola, both teams will analyze this race’s lessons. McLaren must sharpen its decision-making under pressure, while Mercedes will look to maintain their strategic edge. The weather forecast may never be a crutch again.