Andrea Stella has provided a detailed update on the current situation at McLaren, speaking through the team’s official website. The McLaren team principal addressed several key topics, including the highly discussed arrival of Gianpiero Lambiase, long-time race engineer of Max Verstappen, who is set to join the Woking-based outfit at the beginning of the 2028 Formula 1 season.
Following the announcement of Lambiase’s signing, a number of media outlets speculated about a possible future in which he could take on the role of team principal, reportedly backed by a very lucrative contract. These reports also outlined a scenario in which Andrea Stella himself could leave McLaren for Ferrari, with claims even suggesting that a pre-contract agreement had already been signed with the Maranello-based team.
“Poisoned cookies – Andrea Stella commented – honestly, some of the recent rumors, including those about astronomical salaries and imaginary pre-contracts, made me smile. It almost feels like the ‘silly season’, which usually begins before the summer, has arrived early this year! By now I’m used to it and I take it philosophically. It’s as if some envious pastry chef tried to ruin McLaren’s ‘bakery’ while we were preparing a good dessert, but we know very well how to distinguish good ingredients from poisoned cookies…”
These strong words also suggest a clear, if not entirely subtle, message: an attempt to create internal tensions within the team through unfounded speculation. Stella went on to clarify the exact role that awaits Lambiase within the McLaren structure: “His arrival represents the cherry on top of the cake. For me, he will be a fundamental support in the role of Chief Racing Officer, a position that I currently hold alongside my duties as Team Principal.”
Stella also reflected on how the expansion of the Formula 1 calendar has significantly impacted the workload and overall quality of life within the sport: “The expansion of the calendar has had major consequences in terms of personal commitment and quality of life. Today’s Formula 1 is very different from the one I experienced more than 20 years ago. The size of a top team has more than doubled; for example, our workforce has grown by over 20% in the past three years. We have now reached a scale that is compatible with the constraints imposed by the cost cap and functional to achieving the performance required to be successful.”
These structural changes have inevitably influenced the responsibilities of a modern team principal: “Zak and I have created a horizontal structure, where it is essential to guarantee autonomy to the various department heads while also ensuring long-term support. With this approach, the dual role I currently hold would not be sustainable in the long term.”
In conclusion, Andrea Stella emphasized the strategic importance of securing Lambiase’s services for the future of the team: “Gianpiero’s arrival will bring great expertise and long-term potential. It is also confirmation of how attractive McLaren has become to the best talents in Formula 1. This credibility is the result of the work carried out by all the people in the team over recent years, in building a culture capable of developing individuals and contributing to a shared objective, within a healthy and stimulating environment.”
These developments therefore underscore McLaren’s commitment to building a robust, multi-layered leadership team capable of navigating the increasingly demanding F1 schedule. By securing elite talent like Lambiase and streamlining internal roles, the team continues to solidify its foundation for the upcoming 2026 regulatory shift and beyond, ensuring that tactical excellence remains at the heart of their racing operations.
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