McLaren has acknowledged a strategic misjudgment regarding tyre choice during the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sepang, Malaysia. The team’s decision to start both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris on medium dry tyres did not align with the track conditions, affecting their overall race performance.
The choice was influenced by historical data suggesting that Sepang’s abrasive surface typically heats dry tyres quickly, even in damp conditions. McLaren expected the track to dry rapidly, allowing the medium tyres to reach optimal temperature sooner. However, the initial grip levels were insufficient for slick tyres, making intermediate tyres a more suitable option at the start.
Oscar Piastri opted for an early pit stop to switch to intermediates, which cost him track position but improved his pace later in the race. In contrast, Lando Norris remained on the medium dry tyres longer, resulting in a significant loss of time and positions. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Team Principal, admitted that the team miscalculated the crossover point when dry tyres would outperform intermediates, impacting their race strategy.
The drivers themselves had differing views on the timing of the tyre change. Piastri advocated for an earlier switch to intermediates, while Norris preferred to stay longer on slick tyres. Ultimately, the results reflected these choices, with Piastri finishing sixth and Norris ninth. Although both drivers scored points, the outcome was below McLaren’s expectations following recent strong performances.
Stella also highlighted the rapidly evolving competitive environment in Formula 1®, noting that some rival teams have made more significant development strides. This context adds complexity to McLaren’s ongoing efforts to improve their car’s performance and race results.
Looking ahead, McLaren remains uncertain about their prospects for the Singapore Grand Prix. The team plans to continue analyzing their recent upgrades and the car’s behaviour to better understand how to optimize performance under varying conditions.
This assessment from McLaren underscores how critical tyre strategy remains in Formula 1®, particularly when weather and track conditions are unpredictable. The experience at Sepang serves as a reminder of the fine margins teams must navigate to extract the best from their cars and drivers.