Stella downplays 'benefits' of McLaren's updates in Baku

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has tampered expectations for the updates that will be introduced in Baku, insisting they are but "one of many steps" in the outfit's wider development plan for its MCL60.

McLaren has little to show for its efforts so far this season, with the team only scoring its first points in the third race of the year last time out in Australia.

From the outset, Stella has kept expectations in check, admitting at the presentation of the team's MCL60 in February that the car's specification was not where he hoped it would be.

Since, McLaren has devised a development plan that will unfold step-by-step in the coming months with the hope of pulling team papaya up to the upper-tier of F1's midfield.

"We come to Baku following a solid result in Australia, a short period away from track to refocus and with good spirits in the team so we’re ready to go again for the first double-header of the season," Stella explained in McLaren's Azerbaijan Grand Prix preview.

"Whilst the result in Australia was positive, we know we’ve still got a lot of work to do and this time away from the track has actually been very busy at the factory.

"We also bring some new components to the MCL60. Although, we recognise that in Baku we may not immediately see most of the benefits of these new spec parts, this is just one of many steps in a wider plan to push us forward in the Constructors’ Championship.

"The team are also looking forward to the first weekend of the new Sprint format. At any street circuit, there is always more risk associated with events like this, but the team have prepared well and we look forward to going back to racing."

• Read also: Norris hails Stella's "injection of faith" at McLaren

Next weekend's new Sprint format will provide teams with just a single 60-minute practice session on Friday morning.

Lando Norris underscored the importance of "being on it" at the outset but also of steering clear of trouble in FP1 so as to optimize the team's running and learnings.

"I’m looking forward to Baku and to go racing again. It’s been a productive three weeks off with sim work and analysis with my engineers but also taking time to rest and reset ahead of a busy few races," said Norris.

"I’m also excited that we’re at another street circuit and trying out the new sprint format. It will be interesting to see how it works and hopefully it will make good viewing for the fans.

"The track is narrow so it’s as important as ever to be on it as there are lots of opportunities for mistakes.

"This is even more important as we optimise and learn everything we can about the new parts we’re bringing to the track this weekend. Let’s get back to it."

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