The McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, offered a clear-eyed assessment of the Interlagos Sprint Race, which ended with Lando Norris taking victory and a bitter retirement for Oscar Piastri, who was involved in an early-race incident. It was a day of highs and lows for the Woking-based team, which once again showed strong competitiveness but also revealed the fragility created by the variable conditions at the Brazilian circuit.
Andrea Stella on Oscar Piastri: “It’s just an incident, nothing more”
After the Interlagos Sprint Race, Andrea Stella commented on the performances of the two McLaren drivers:
“Mixed feelings. We achieved a win with Lando and had Oscar in a strong position. But in difficult conditions, if you put a wheel just a little too far, three cars can end up off track. It’s just an incident, nothing more.”
Stella remains calm and optimistic
Despite the disappointment of losing the chance for a potential double podium, Stella praised the work and mindset of the young Australian driver:
“Oscar was fast all weekend. Now we regroup, repair the car, and focus on tomorrow. The important points are awarded in the full race. Oscar Piastri has a very analytical mind and knows how to evaluate incidents properly. The most important thing is that the speed is there, and that’s what really counts.”
The team principal also reiterated a concept that has almost become a mantra at McLaren: focus on the process, not just the numbers.
“Points are points, just numbers. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the way it is. You can only do your best.”
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