Johnny Herbert believes Red Bull still dominates in strategy, despite McLaren’s recent success.
- In the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull’s three-stop plan was thwarted by a late Safety Car.
- Max Verstappen faced challenges with tire choices, resulting in a frustrating race.
- Herbert credits McLaren for their advancements but emphasizes Red Bull’s strategic edge.
- Oscar Piastri maintains his lead in the driver’s standings after a strong Spanish GP performance.
In a recent analysis, former F1 driver Johnny Herbert provided insights into the current dynamics between Red Bull and McLaren. Herbert acknowledged McLaren’s impressive performance, stating that they appear to be the ‘better team’ at the moment. However, he emphasized that Red Bull still holds the title of ‘the best’ when it comes to strategic planning, especially in races.
During the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull attempted to outsmart McLaren with a bold three-stop strategy for Max Verstappen. The plan showed promise until a late Safety Car disrupted their tactics. This interruption forced Red Bull into a difficult position, with Verstappen having to switch to hard tires, while competitors, like Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, benefited from softer options.
The race grew complex as Verstappen struggled with traction, leading to fierce on-track battles. Notably, Charles Leclerc managed to overtake Verstappen after the restart. To add to the challenges, Verstappen was instructed to allow George Russell to pass, resulting in a tense wheel-to-wheel moment that added to the dramatic race narrative.
Reflecting on these events, Herbert remarked on the decisions Red Bull made regarding tire selections. He noted that opting for a fresh set of hard tires left Verstappen at a disadvantage in terms of grip. Yet, he defended Red Bull’s strategy, explaining that they ran out of viable options under the circumstances. Herbert remarked, ‘Can you blame the Red Bull team for what happened in the end? I don’t think so, they just ran out of options.’
Despite some setbacks, Herbert argued that Red Bull’s strategic ingenuity keeps them competitive. While McLaren may be enjoying a surge in form, Red Bull’s tactical acumen in F1 cannot be overlooked. ‘I still think Red Bull are the best in terms of strategy,’ Herbert asserted, highlighting their ability to devise innovative race plans even when the execution doesn’t always go as planned.
Oscar Piastri, who claimed victory in the Spanish GP, later reflected on the unexpected strategies in the race. ‘I wasn’t really expecting Max to try a three-stop race,’ Piastri commented, sharing his surprise at how the race unfolded. Nevertheless, he affirmed McLaren’s successful execution of their own race strategy, which allowed him to maintain control and secure the win.
Piastri’s triumph in the Spanish Grand Prix has bolstered his position at the top of the driver’s standings, leading by 10 points over teammate Lando Norris. Meanwhile, Verstappen finds himself 49 points adrift, highlighting the competitive nature of this F1 season.
Johnny Herbert’s analysis reinforces Red Bull’s reputation for strategic excellence, keeping them in the spotlight despite McLaren’s recent dominance.
