McLaren preparing for 'largest loss in F1 history' - reports

      The 2025 world championship is set for a dramatic finish after McLaren squandered a potential 1-2 finish in Qatar, leading rivals to label it one of the most perplexing strategy blunders in recent years. The 'Papaya'-colored team was the only one that did not pit during the early safety car period, a decision that ruined Oscar Piastri’s strong performance and provided Max Verstappen and Red Bull with a crucial opportunity.

      Sky Italia’s Carlo Vanzini did not hold back, stating, "If McLaren loses the world championship, it would be the greatest defeat in F1 history." Even Dr. Helmut Marko ridiculed the team’s much-discussed "Papaya Rules" regarding equal treatment, stating, "I’m not very familiar with all these papaya rules," while smiling. "We certainly would have brought in at least one of our drivers."

      Ralf Schumacher was even more critical. "You don’t need to be a doctor to realize you need to pit," he remarked. "There are too many mistakes with a superior car. They’re overthinking it. Whoever is responsible for these strategies needs to find a better solution."

      McLaren maintains that fairness was a consideration, but not the deciding factor, and Lando Norris firmly rejected the notion that the "papaya rules" influenced the decision. "Everyone’s saying it, but that has nothing to do with it," he asserted. However, team boss Andrea Stella admitted that fairness played a role in the discussions. "That was part of the considerations, but it wasn’t the main reason. We just made a mistake," the Italian stated.

      With Norris just 12 points ahead of Verstappen and Piastri another four points behind, the key question is whether Norris will be established as the clear number one for Abu Dhabi. Ralf suggested the choice is clear. "A decision has to be made now," the German said. "Max is there, and Max isn’t joking. Lando needs the help of his teammate."

      Stella, however, dismissed the idea of team orders. "We must respect Oscar’s chance of winning and allow the drivers to race," he said. After executing their strategy flawlessly, Red Bull sent strategist Hannah Schmitz to the podium to collect the trophy. "They are in a very difficult position and want to treat both drivers the same," she mentioned to Viaplay when asked about McLaren’s mistake. "We were positioned to benefit from this."

      Team principal Laurent Mekies stated there is only one rule when competing against Verstappen. "When you’re facing Max, you know he doesn’t make mistakes, which heightens the pressure. Our team isn’t afraid to take risks, and that has a psychological impact."

      Verstappen smirked at McLaren’s decision, calling it "an interesting move." When asked if he believes he can complete the comeback, the four-time world champion replied, "It’s all possible now. A race like today shows that much can happen. I’m likely counting on that."

      After dominating the weekend and ending a puzzling performance decline, Piastri was left shocked. "Speechless — I don’t have any words," he said on the radio after the race's conclusion. Later, he confessed, "Pretty high frustration — and that’s saying a lot after the last few races."