From Motorsport · Jake Boxall-Legge · · 1m 20s
Slick Tyre Gamble Hurts McLaren and Ferrari
McLaren and Ferrari's Bahrain F1 gamble with slick tyres backfired as the track stayed wet.
In brief
McLaren and Ferrari's Bahrain F1 gamble with slick tyres backfired as the track stayed wet. McLaren and Ferrari lost Bahrain GP chances after starting with slick tyres on a wet track. Originally reported by Motorsport.
Bahrain GP Delayed Start
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia faced an hour and 33 minutes of delays before starting.
Slick Tyre Strategy
McLaren and Ferrari chose dry slick tyres for the restart, with Ferrari using soft compounds and McLaren mediums.
Track Conditions
The Sepang circuit remained too slippery for slick tyres despite initial drying signs.
McLaren's Pivot
McLaren switched to intermediates early to help Oscar Piastri, while Lando Norris stayed on slicks.
Ferrari's Strategy
Ferrari stuck with slicks despite the track remaining wet, leading to slower lap times.
Lando Norris' View
Norris said the intermediate tyres felt shredded after one lap on Sepang's rough surface.
“The laps to the grid on the inter when it was a similar kind of condition, they had so much grip and my Inter was completely shredded after one lap.”
Charles Leclerc's Analysis
Leclerc noted the rough tarmac caused water pooling, slowing the track's drying process.
Lewis Hamilton's Experience
Hamilton stayed on soft tyres longer, then used a late safety car to pass Isack Hadjar for third.
“As we pulled out [of the pits], all the spray came out the back of Max’s car and I was like, 'okay, I’m done. My race is really in trouble,'”
Team Reflections
Hamilton praised his team's strategy but acknowledged the need for improvement after the race.
“We’ll definitely have an open dialogue, and I’m really so proud of my team.”
Race Outcome
By lap eight, slick times matched intermediates, with Valtteri Bottas' off causing a switch.
The key point
McLaren and Ferrari lost Bahrain GP chances after starting with slick tyres on a wet track.
