MONDAY MORNING DEBRIEF: Could McLaren have prevented Verstappen’s Suzuka victory with a different strategy?


Could McLaren have prevented Max Verstappen’s stunning victory around Suzuka?
Superficially it certainly looked like that, as Lando Norris – who had been running just 1.5s behind the Red Bull as the first stops approached – was brought in on the same lap. Although Norris got partly alongside on the pit exit, he was forced to yield to Verstappen and never got so close again in this one-stop race.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
F1 NationListen to our Austrian Grand Prix review
F1 confirms 2026 pre-season testing dates
Aron to drive in Silverstone FP1 as Alpine agree deal with Sauber
Facts and StatsRed Bull’s 77-race scoring streak ended on home soil
Leclerc insists Ferrari moving in ‘right direction’
Verstappen gives verdict on ‘unlucky’ collision in Austria