[Saba Sports News] McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has admitted the squad “didn’t get it completely right” with the strategy deployed for Lando Norris at the Belgian Grand Prix. While on paper Norris secured a solid recovery drive, finishing seventh after starting from 13th, he had previously led the race, meaning McLaren had a genuine chance of a far stronger result. Uncertainty loomed for Norris from the outset. He showcased impressive pace aboard his car around Spa-Francorchamps to qualify third on Saturday, yet a power unit component change incurred a ten-place grid penalty, demoting him to 13th for the race start. The team opted to start him on hard tyres, banking on strong long-run pace. The plan worked brilliantly in the opening phase of the grand prix. Thanks to the car’s underlying speed and a lengthy first stint, Norris carved through the field to take the race lead. However, as rival drivers capitalised on the Virtual Safety Car window to pit and gain track position, McLaren elected to keep Norris out on track.
That delayed pit stop dropped Norris behind Isack Hadjar after he rejoined the circuit, and he was unable to close the gap despite running every available lap. Norris ultimately crossed the line in seventh position, two places behind his teammate. While the strategy call left plenty to regret, the pace Norris demonstrated with the updated power unit — particularly his single-lap performance — provided encouragement for the squad.