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Oscar Piastri made a pivotal pit stop at the end of lap 15, switching to hard tires and successfully rejoining the race ahead of Sergio Perez. The move ensures that the McLaren driver retains a net second place once the pit stops cycle through, thanks in part to a key assist from teammate Lando Norris.
Piastri’s stop was well-timed, with McLaren’s crew delivering a swift tire change to ensure the Australian rookie could re-enter the track ahead of the hard-charging Perez. The pit lane strategy was critical, as any time lost could have seen Piastri fall behind the Red Bull driver, jeopardizing his shot at a podium finish. Instead, he returned to the track in clear air, holding position behind only the race leader.
The maneuver was made even more effective by Norris, who played a vital role by holding up Perez just long enough to give his teammate the buffer needed to emerge ahead. Norris, in a solid race of his own, provided strategic support by maintaining his position between Piastri and Perez, effectively neutralizing any threat from the Red Bull driver during this critical phase of the race.
For McLaren, this represents a masterclass in team strategy, with both drivers working in unison to secure optimal track positions. Piastri, continuing his impressive rookie season, now finds himself in prime position for a strong finish, with the hard tires expected to last into the latter stages of the race.
As the pit stop phase begins to settle, McLaren’s tactical prowess has allowed Piastri to keep his second-place standing intact, positioning the team for a potential double podium as the race progresses. The teamwork between Piastri and Norris could prove decisive in the final outcome.