F1 News: McLaren Smashed Record In Qatar GP With Lando Norris
McLaren has been on a roll in Qatar lately after Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished second and third in the Grand Prix. Not only that, the Woking outfit inches closer to Aston Martin in the Constructors' standings as it smashed a record on Sunday's race.
Piastri claimed that the race at Losail Circuit was the hardest of his life after taking second place in extreme heat conditions. Drivers were required to push hard with FIA making a mandatory three-stop race since they were allowed only a maximum of 18 laps on one tire set due to concerns about tire cuts.
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Despite the challenges, Piastri scored his second consecutive podium behind championship winner Max Verstappen after winning the Sprint race on Saturday. Adding to the challenge was McLaren's strategy itself which was questioned by both drivers as Norris was kept behind his Australian teammate during the race. He said in the post-race press conference:
"I was a little bit surprised, to be honest. I would have accepted it either way, but obviously there were a lot of concerns about tyres and track limits and stuff.
"So, I think getting second and third for the team was the most important thing."
Piastri on the other hand also spoke about the challenges he faced, especially with the weather conditions. He added:
"It was just extremely hot, even from the beginning, even before I put my helmet on, before the start of the race, I was sweating, and it definitely didn't get any better once I was driving.
"So it was just very hot, and I think it was a combination of a lot of things, the humidity as well, having three stops meant we were pushing flat out and just the nature of the track.
"There's a lot of high-speed corners that just sort of naturally take its toll, but it was definitely the hardest race I've done."
However, the struggles seem a bit more worth it when you get in return what you first set out for. Not only did McLaren bag a double podium but it also broke the all-time record for the fastest Formula 1 pit stop.
As confirmed by McLaren CEO Zak Brown on social media platform X, Norris's second pit stop on lap 28 was timed at an incredible 1.8 seconds. The record was previously held by Max Verstappen and Red Bull from the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.
You realize that the achievement is more praise-worthy since Red Bull broke that record with the smaller 13-inch tires than the heavier 18-inch tires used today. Judging McLaren's form and pace in Qatar, it won't be long before they overtake Aston Martin in the Constructors' Championship in a few weeks since the gap is now just 11 points.
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