McLaren Suzuka Resilient Ambition

In the face of Suzuka’s tough race dynamics, McLaren F1 harbors high ambitions, with Stella lauding the team’s resilient chase for podiums.

McLaren F1 was unable to repeat its excellent double podium finish from 2023 in Japan. Lando Norris finished the race in fifth place, while Oscar Piastri ended up eighth. However, their director, Andrea Stella, is satisfied with the overall result.

“Overall, it’s a positive outcome for the Suzuka race in terms of points scored with both cars,” Stella stated. “Obviously, after good qualifying sessions, we might have hoped to try to secure a podium, but it wasn’t feasible in terms of performance with the car.”

“I think if we look at the standings, at least for the top five, it accurately reflects the real order of competitiveness. We tried to aim for a podium with Lando, stopping early to ensure staying ahead of Carlos, but ultimately, we didn’t have the pace.”

“This also put us on a slightly slower strategy, and we finished behind Leclerc. But we are happy to have the ambition to aim for the podium even if it was a bit out of our reach.”

Stella also discusses Piastri’s experience at Suzuka this Sunday: “For Oscar, it was a busy race, constantly competing directly with other cars around him.”

“It was a bit unfortunate with the final brake lock at the chicane, which cost him the position to Russell, but these are important points for the team nonetheless, consolidating our third position in the championship. Now, we turn our attention to China.”