Brown: Stella's ‘unbelievable leadership’ key to McLaren success

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown was brimming with pride after the team clinched their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years, and he made sure the spotlight shone brightly on team principal Andrea Stella for his pivotal role in the historic success.

The papaya squad secured the championship in a dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale, with Lando Norris taking a commanding victory despite Ferrari’s double-podium effort.

It marked the Woking-based outfit’s first coronation since the days of Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard in 1998—a monumental moment for a team that’s been relentlessly clawing its way back to the top.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 amid the celebratory chaos, Brown praised Stella’s leadership in steering the team to greatness.

“He’s just an unbelievable leader,” Brown said. “He leads by example, he empowers people, he’s very technical, and he pushes everyone to get the best out of them—and that’s what you saw tonight.

“Andrea Stella, he’s done such a good job of leading this team.”

• Read also: Norris battled nerves in Abu Dhabi GP after Leclerc opening lap

Stella’s influence has been evident since his appointment ahead of the 2023 season, overseeing a turnaround that has seen McLaren surge from midfield mediocrity to championship glory.

The team’s execution in Abu Dhabi, particularly Norris’ lightening 2.0-second pit stop, showcased the razor-sharp precision that defines championship teams.

“That was the worst two hours of my life, by far,” Brown joked.

“I mean, Lando drove brilliantly, unfortunate what happened to Oscar at the start, but the team was flawless. They executed the pit stop great and I think I was the only one who was ready to have a heart attack for two hours.

“That race, [Norris] carried us. To not make any mistakes, we were worried about Safety Cars, I was worried about everything. But he drove flawlessly.”

As the fireworks lit up the Yas Marina Circuit, Brown turned his sights to the future.

“Next [we’ll] try and repeat the constructors’ and get the drivers’, I’ll let Oscar and Lando figure that one out,” he quipped.

Norris, who finished runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship this year, has already set his sights on the ultimate prize in 2025. With four wins to his teammate’s two, the Briton enters the final year of the current regulations as a clear favorite.

“He’s going to give it all he’s got, and given the momentum he’s on, it’s hard to bet against him,” Brown concluded, his voice brimming with optimism.

As McLaren fans celebrated long into the Abu Dhabi night, one thing was clear: the papaya dream is alive, and the team is hungrier than ever.

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