McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has delivered a frank assessment of his team’s position, stressing that while McLaren is enjoying a resurgent season, it cannot be content with its current trajectory if it wants to become a dominant force in Formula 1.
As McLaren heads into the Qatar Grand Prix with a good shot at clinching its first Constructors’ title since 1998, Stella is already focused on the future.
Despite team papaya’s strong upward trend this year, the Italian highlighted the progress made by rivals Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes in recent races as a wake-up call for McLaren.
“I think it's fair to say that, given that at the time we talk, we are P1 in the constructors’ and we are in the quest to try and win it, plus P2 in the drivers’ championship and we are in an upward trajectory, it's fair to say that we want to tackle 2025 season, trying to win both,” Stella said, quoted by Motorsport.com.
“Three months ago, I would say we are in a really strong trajectory compared to our competitors. But, and this is something that we have repeatedly said internally at McLaren, let's look at what Ferrari have been able to do: responding to some wobbles in the middle of the season, delivering a large amount of performance."
"Let's look at how much Red Bull have been able to keep delivering, even when the car wasn't necessarily the fastest car. And let's look at what Mercedes have been able to do in Vegas and occasionally delivering incredible performance, reliability and operations and so on."
Stella emphasized that McLaren’s gains this season, while impressive, are insufficient for sustaining success.
“So the trajectory we've been having is kind of not enough if we want to genuinely be a contender in 2025 in both championships.
“This is the time not to be happy with our trajectory. This is the time to say that the level, the bar, needs to be raised.”
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While McLaren’s pursuit of the constructors’ crown this year is significant, Stella acknowledged that the drivers’ championship holds a special allure for fans and the team.
“I think people tend to remember the drivers’ championship more than the constructors',” he said. “I think in itself, potentially, the drivers’ championship is the ultimate that you want to achieve.”
However, Stella underscored the importance of focusing on foundational achievements, aligning with the sentiments of driver Lando Norris.
“It's interesting that when I talked at multiple times with the drivers during the season, Lando himself, he felt that for where we are, for our trajectory as a team, the constructors’ is more important now, like this is kind of the foundation you want to confirm and build if that makes sense,” he explained.
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“I always found it interesting this feedback from the drivers. They felt like we are building something together. So let's put this milestone on the ground, and then once things are in place, we can go for the drivers' [title].
As McLaren works to cement its current success, Stella’s vision for the future is clear: 2025 must be a year where McLaren not only competes but thrives across both championships.
The team’s trajectory, while promising, must continue to rise.
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