Italian team principal Andrea Stella has explained that McLaren will not take on the role of directing the drivers’ championship: “Looking back at what happened in Monza, we confirmed that the way we acted was in line with our expectations, and I can add that we will continue with the same approach in the future.”
McLaren has grown accustomed to the spotlight that comes with being a top team. Competing at the front offers many advantages, but it also means every internal decision is subject to public scrutiny. These are the rules of the game.
The management of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris during the Italian Grand Prix attracted attention, but Stella sees no issues. “We are not surprised by the general interest,” he commented. “In the end, it has always been like this in a sport as popular as Formula 1.”
“The limit is respect. As long as that line isn’t crossed, every comment is accepted, listened to, and considered. Ultimately, what matters for us is not what is said outside the team, but what we do internally and how we plan to continue racing.”
Constructors’ championship won’t change driver management
This weekend, McLaren has a strong chance to celebrate the constructors’ title, the team’s most important achievement. However, Andrea Stella emphasized that even when the trophy is secured, the management of the Norris-Piastri duo will remain unchanged. “Our approach will be the same as it has been so far,” he reiterated. “It is not linked to winning or not winning the constructors’ championship. How we race depends on racing principles, the values we represent as McLaren Racing, and also on the desire to protect team unity, which is essential for the future.”
On Sunday evening in Monza, Andrea Stella had mentioned a debrief to review the race, including discussions with the drivers and everyone involved in strategy. “After every race weekend, we analyze our performance and the decisions we made, and of course, it was the same after Monza.”
“Looking back at what we did, we confirmed that the way we acted was in line with our expectations, and I can add that we will continue with the same approach in the future. So, while remaining open and attentive to everything that can happen, I can say that what happened in Monza reinforced our belief in continuing with our approach.”
McLaren rejects the idea of controlling the race from the pit wall
One point McLaren struggles to convey to some fans is the notion that the pit wall acts as a director of what happens on track, an accusation Andrea Stella firmly rejects. “Race situations sometimes allow for different interpretations and, as I said before, we understand that rumors can circulate. I can confirm that at the pit wall we only act as previously agreed with our drivers. These rules ultimately become our principles and approach to racing, and it was the same in Monza.”
Season finale and driver dynamics
As the season nears its conclusion, tension between Norris and Piastri is expected to rise. This is part of the sport’s nature: in the final stretch, the atmosphere becomes more electric and nerves more tense. McLaren is aware of this, and with the constructors’ title secured, they can focus fully on maintaining fair management between the two drivers.
If technical superiority is absolute, this task will be easier. If rivals remain in contention, more complex scenarios may arise. One thing is clear: McLaren does not want to act as arbiters in the drivers’ championship. This is the final hurdle in closing out an exemplary 2025 season.
Leave a Reply