The back-and-forth between McLaren and Max Verstappen continues. The sequence of exchanges that began with the Dutchman after his victory at Suzuka has now involved the two McLaren drivers – Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – and now also the team principal of the reigning Constructors’ champions, Andrea Stella.
The subject of the discussion remains the same: McLaren’s extreme competitiveness compared to Red Bull, with Max Verstappen insisting that he would win by a wide margin if driving the MCL39. These comments were dismissed by Oscar Piastri but irritated Lando Norris, who invited his friend-rival to try out his car before speaking. Andrea Stella, with his experience, responded by turning the issue around and putting himself in the shoes of those who work every day in Milton Keynes.
“I wonder what Red Bull employees think when they hear their driver speaking this way about the car they built,” Andrea Stella said to Sky Sport F1 microphones. “The driver should be the ambassador of the values of a team. So, I send my solidarity to Red Bull employees.”
However, Andrea Stella did not fail to also acknowledge Max Verstappen’s ‘off-track talent’ in using communication channels to his advantage. “Max is not only extremely good on track – and saying he’s just good may not be enough, he’s superb – but he is also very skilled in political and communication matters. He knows how to set bait,” the Italian manager emphasized. The next round will take place on the track, and McLaren seems ready to seek revenge for what happened in Japan.
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