Yet another conspiracy

[Dare]

I have to admit it occurred to me that RP didn't
want the Hulk ahead of Lance


https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-70th-anniversary-grand-prix-nico-hulkenberg-racing-point-f1-address-lance-stroll-conspiracy-theories-following-late-pitstop/

[John S]

More likely RP pitted him to prevent Nico throwing away a points finish at all.

Hulk has a history of poor judgement, or lack of talent, losing everything fighting lost or over ambitious causes.

With Albon charging and likely to take no prisoners - Alex himself subject of enormous media attention, unfairly I might add, had a point to prove - RP feared a too stout defence by Nico in final few laps could end in tears.

They figured they had a free pitstop ahead of Ocon so keeping 6th & 7th was more important than the order.

Conspiracy - Nah, just sensible team tactics at that point in race. 

[Alianora La Canta]

Failed split strategy. If it had worked, Nico would have been laughing, because he could have been close enough to take 4th if Ferrari's strategy had failed. Unfortunately, it did not work.

[Jericoke]

Racing point really has backed themselves into this particular corner.

Everything they do is going to look like conspiracy or nepotism, when it's usually good old fashioned risks and rules pushing that has ruled F1 since day 1.  RP isn't the only team that ended up with things working out better for one driver over the other.