Verstappen Sarcastically Thanks McLaren for 'Great' Canadian GP Strategy Call

Max Verstappen offered a sarcastic thank you after McLaren's decision to start the Canadian Grand Prix on intermediate tyres backfired immediately. The track was already drying when Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lined up on the second row on wet rubber, forcing both drivers into early pit stops after Norris briefly grabbed the lead.

Why it matters:

McLaren had the pace to deliver a strong result in Montreal, but the strategy gamble cost them crucial track position and points. The error reshuffled the front of the field and handed a clear advantage to rivals who correctly committed to slick tyres on the drying Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The details:

• A costly gamble: Rain had fallen before the race, but the track was already drying by the time the grid formed. Despite this, McLaren sent both cars out on intermediates.
• Early concerns: Norris and Piastri voiced worries over team radio during the formation lap. Norris briefly took the lead on the opening lap before the true extent of the error became obvious.
• Race winner's view: Kimi Antonelli, who took victory on slicks, admitted he was surprised by McLaren's call. "It was a massive gamble," he said, noting that while rain threatened, the team was confident it wouldn't last.
• Not alone: McLaren wasn't the only team caught out. Audi, Cadillac, and Williams' Carlos Sainz also started on intermediates, though none were as well-positioned to capitalize as the papaya cars.
• Verstappen's reaction: The Red Bull driver didn't mince words when asked about the call. "That was a great call," he told media. "I was like, 'Thank you'."

What's next:

McLaren will face tough questions internally as it reviews the weather data and decision-making process that led to the mistake. With championship battles tightening, avoiding such high-profile strategy errors will be critical as the season progresses.