McLaren boss Andrea Stella has revealed that safety concerns on worn intermediate tyres was a key reason why Lando Norris pitted just before the São Paulo Grand Prix red flag. Norris was running second behind Mercedes' George Russell as heavier rain started to fall at Interlagos, with a brief virtual safety car deployed on lap 27 for Nico Hulkenberg's stricken Haas. Russell and Norris missed the pit entry but pitted just as the VSC ended on lap 29. Alpine duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly continued, as did Max Verstappen, who slotted in between the two Frenchmen. As conditions worsened, the safety car was called seconds before Franco Colapinto deployed a red flag with a major accident on the climb up the hill. F1 rules allowed the leading trio to switch tyres for free - a regulation Norris claims "no one likes". Verstappen would go on to win, with Norris only sixth, in a crushing display of dominance to put him on the cusp of a fourth F1 title, which can be wrapped up in Las Vegas. Explaining the decision to pit Norris for the fresh intermediates, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Stella said: "Both drivers, in fairness, acknowledged that we needed new rubber to stay out in those conditions. "The reason the decision didn't pay off is that the rain became very intense, leading to a crash and red flag, but with the increased water on the track, we thought it important to go to the new tyres. "Without the red flag and less intensity, it would have been difficult for people who had not changed tyres, and sometimes you look brilliant because you commit to something, and it is always easier to commit when you are behind and you look like a hero. "But I back the decision we made because it came with the full agreement of the drivers, the pit wall and also a little bit of reason as we needed to make sure we stayed on track, compete for points and championships and finish the race. "Personally, I am not very comfortable in leaving a car out there with tyres that were pretty worn with that amount of water, and so without the red flag, we are talking about a different race."
Stella on 'brave' Verstappen
Stella also heaped praise on Verstappen, Ocon and Gasly for the "brave" decision the trio took in staying out and leap-frogging Russell and Norris in the order. "I'd like to congratulate Max for one of his best victories of his career," Stella added. "It was very impressive from where he started. "It was a great drive, and he had great pace because he moved up the field, and thanks to a brave decision under the red flag of not stopping and staying out on relatively worn tyres. "This paid advantage for Max and the Alpines, and Alpine deserve congratulations for their double podium finish."
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