Piastri zeroes in on McLaren strategy after Canada fumble

Oscar Piastri has defended McLaren's decision to start both cars on intermediate tyres in Montreal, a gamble that backfired as conditions dried rapidly. Lando Norris retired with a gearbox issue and Piastri finished 11th, leaving the team pointless in Canada.

Why it matters:

Strategy calls are becoming increasingly decisive in the 2026 season, and McLaren's misstep in Montreal cost them valuable points in a tight midfield battle. Understanding how the decision unfolded is critical for a team aiming to consistently fight at the front.

The Details:

• Piastri said the post-race debrief focused on understanding how the call was made, not on assigning blame.
• The call was "very 50-50" in the moment, with conditions shifting just before the start.
• Piastri noted other teams also considered intermediates but couldn't get them in time, suggesting McLaren wasn't alone in its thinking.
• He acknowledged there was "potentially some oversight on a few key factors" that the team needs to improve.
• Norris's gearbox retirement added to the team's woes, leaving them without points.

What's Next:

Attention shifts to Monaco, where McLaren celebrates its 1000th Grand Prix with a special livery. Piastri called it "very, very cool to be a part of" and hopes to add more wins for the team.

• The 2026 cars may be better suited to Monaco than their predecessors, with improved power unit behavior and fewer wheel-locking concerns.
• Piastri highlighted Ferrari as a potential threat this weekend, noting their strength in slow-speed corners—a key advantage in the principality.
• Lying sixth in the standings with 48 points, Piastri is eager to bounce back from a disappointing Canadian weekend.