Bernie Collins identifies the biggest mistake McLaren’s strategists are making this season

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McLaren came close to winning races on several occasions this year but has only managed two victories with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

The Briton missed out three times in a row with arguably the fastest car during the most recent European triple header due to various strategies or driving blunders on track.

Norris was vocal about the start problems that cost him wins in Spain, while McLaren’s strategy errors during the British GP ultimately led to him being overtaken by Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

The team radio was the subject after the Silverstone loss after McLaren CEO Zak Brown said it was one race they should have won easily.

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer highlighted how the pit-to-car communication was ‘chaotic’ leading into the pivotal pit stop. Speaking on the JA on F1 podcast, Bernie Collins identified the main problem with McLaren’s strategists this season.

Bernie Collins identifies the main ‘issue’ with McLaren strategists

Having worked at McLaren before Aston Martin in her F1 career, Collins understands how the operation happens inside the team.

Part of the problem with the Silverstone call was the vague messages between Norris and engineer Will Joseph in the build-up to the final pit stop.

Joseph also left out critical pieces of information which ultimately led to Norris choosing the wrong tyres, instead attempting to catch Hamilton rather than switch to the best tyre for the conditions.

Collins believes there needs to be a more direct line of communication between the pit wall and their drivers to avoid making mistakes.

“That’s part of the issue with McLaren. When you’re asking a driver continuously what tyre he wants, you slow down the decision process naturally. So the more independence you can have from the people making those decisions, the quicker those decisions will be naturally,” said Collins.

Mistakes could cost McLaren more wins

Heading into the final 10 rounds of the 2024 season, McLaren stands within a chance of beating Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.

The pair are separated by just 42 points after a run of poor form by Sergio Perez has meant Verstappen is now their main points scorer. Red Bull will downgrade the car to help Perez find form after he was told to turn things around, or risk being replaced before the end of the year.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

If Perez continues to struggle, it could open up an opportunity for McLaren to win their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.

Damon Hill believes it could be possible given their consistency, while Karun Chandhok still backs Verstappen to win his fourth Drivers’ title.