McLaren did not have the season start expected from the world champions, but arrived at Suzuka in impressive form. There were no big announcements or promises of upgrades, only quiet, diligent work—just as Andrea Stella has accustomed fans and media alike—and the result was a well-earned podium with car number 81. The significant improvement came when the engineers in Woking finally understood more aspects of the Mercedes power unit and, in particular, how to integrate it better into their car.
“The biggest limitation was time,” the team principal explained to the media. “The calendar was packed for everyone, and we delivered the car at the last available moment, as did the engine suppliers. In these conditions, as a customer team, it’s normal to start a bit behind, but we are learning with the HPP engineers how to make the power unit work better.”
“Mercedes didn’t hide anything from us; our relationship is excellent. In the past three years, we’ve won together twice,” Andrea Stella added, dismissing rumors that the team had the engine but not the “manual” to use it properly. “We just need to catch up on the schedule, but we’re not far from getting the maximum performance from the power unit.”
McLaren’s resurgence at the Japanese Grand Prix therefore highlights the technical maturity of the team under Andrea Stella’s leadership. By taking full responsibility for the early-season integration delays rather than blaming their engine supplier, McLaren has reinforced its stable partnership with Mercedes. With the “manual” now fully understood and the power unit optimization reaching its peak, the Woking-based squad looks set to remain a consistent threat to the podium as the 2026 championship fight intensifies. The “roadmap” is clear, and the reigning champions are back in the hunt.
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