JA on F1 Podcast: Collins Urges McLaren to Ditch Strategy Calls by Committee
In an exclusive interview on the James Allen on F1 podcast, former F1 strategist Bernie Collins minced no words when discussing McLaren’s strategic decisions. The team, which has been on a high since a major car upgrade in May, securing race victories for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, now faces a critical dilemma: how to handle strategy calls.
Collins pointed out that McLaren’s approach to decision-making has been too democratic, often relying on a committee-style process. While collaboration is essential, it can lead to indecisiveness under pressure. “I think that’s part of the issue with McLaren,” Collins asserted.
The recent British Grand Prix at Silverstone exemplified this problem. McLaren made a wrong call on when to pit, and their tire choice for the final stint cost Norris the win, favoring Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton instead¹. Collins believes that McLaren needs to be more ruthless, shedding the polite veneer and making high-pressure strategy decisions directly.
As the team gears up for the next races, all eyes are on McLaren’s management. Will they heed Collins’ advice and streamline their strategy calls? Or will they continue down the committee path, risking further missed opportunities? Only time—and the racetrack—will reveal the answer².
Stay tuned for more updates on this gripping saga as the F1 season unfolds³. And remember, in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, every decision counts.
