Why McLaren's so convinced its failed tyre gamble wasn't 'stupid'

At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri started on intermediate tyres despite uncertain conditions, a choice shared by seven drivers including both Audis, both Cadillacs, and Carlos Sainz. The decision quickly proved wrong, with both drivers sensing on the formation lap they were on the incorrect tyre; Piastri pitted for slicks after lap one and Norris followed a lap later, just as Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli was about to take the lead from him. Despite the strategy backfiring, Norris and McLaren management have defended the call as not 'stupid', arguing it was a reasonable gamble given the conditions at the time.