Andrea Stella believes driver rivalry at McLaren signals progress, reflecting the team’s readiness to challenge for both F1 titles.
Andrea Stella knows McLaren F1 will need to find solutions to prevent its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, from getting in each other’s way in the pursuit of a potential title. The team principal is also aware that the situation would be even more challenging if both drivers were in contention for the crown.
“First of all, I hope you’re right. We really want to have that kind of problem,” said Stella. “We’ve worked very hard to have a car capable of winning races and two drivers capable of winning races.”
“And we know that in Formula 1, this always comes with complications. But these are complications we’ve already faced to some extent this season. I think we’ve always approached this issue in a consistent manner.”
“Both drivers have always been fully aware that we need to find solutions that, first and foremost, prioritize the team’s interests and then those of the drivers. So far, I think this process has been very positive. It’s a process we intend to continue next season.”
The Italian hopes to be in contention for both titles in 2025, and such a problem would then be a luxury: “We call it a problem, but it’s more of an opportunity. Our goal is to ensure that, from a technical perspective, we give Lando and Oscar a car capable of fighting for the championship.”
“Because if we had done that at the start of the season, without a few underperformances in the early races, we would have been able to fight longer for the drivers’ championship.”
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Stella Eyes Driver Competition as Sign of Championship Hope Stella Eyes Driver Competition as Sign of Championship Hope
