Just hours before the start of the race on the streets of the Principality, let’s look at Andrea Stella’s predictions. The Italian TP focused on driver management during the GP: strategy will be crucial in Monaco, will there be favoritism within McLaren?
The Monaco qualifying session had an unexpected outcome if you consider the three practice sessions that preceded it. Ferrari, especially with Charles Leclerc, seemed in great shape, but Lando Norris managed to take pole position by a tenth at the end. Oscar Piastri did not complete the one-two finish but secured third place.
Monaco, a matter of strategy
On a circuit like Monaco, overtaking is not easy, so a direct battle between the two McLarens for the race lead is unlikely. Instead, the strategic aspect is fundamental. The two mandatory pit stops should make the race much more unpredictable: a doubled lottery, as Fred Vasseur said.
This means managing the timing of the stops will be crucial to gain positions without taking risks on track. Speaking with journalists, Andrea Stella responded to questions about how they will manage the two drivers and whether there will be favoritism toward one of them.
“I agree that it’s ‘complicated.’ And not because the two McLarens are first and third, but because of these regulations. And because a safety car or a red flag, or what happens behind, can really make decisions quite difficult. I don’t think this depends much on the fact that the two McLarens are first and third.”
Andrea Stella concluded by explaining that McLaren’s strategy will not aim to advantage one driver in particular but to achieve the best possible result as a team. “We will always try to make decisions and let the race unfold naturally so that our two drivers have the best opportunity to capitalize on their performances and efforts. We do not foresee any deviation from this natural evolution of the race unless it is an advantage for both.”
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