Yep. Totally agree, Smithers.
As I've said elsewhere, it should have been obvious that when the rain stopped, the track would continue to improve, offering the best grip in the final moments. Going out as early as possible couldn't have been a bigger mistake: All they did was disperse water for the other cars, taking the edge off their own tyres at the same time*. Not only that, but it is very difficult to keep temperatures (and necessarily pressures) up whilst they still are dealing with lots of water. Far better to keep the blankets on and go for it at the last moment where the track will also have least water.
– In light of the above, one can only presume that the thinking at Mclaren was that it was likely to rain again.
*N.B. When trying to get one really quick lap on wet tyres, it is vital to use new tyres which 'bite' through the water. This is far more effective than using a tyre which has done a few laps and is slightly smoothed off.
