When a team becomes successful in Formula 1, it’s a given that competitors will seek reasons to undermine that success. This has been the case over the past few months with McLaren, which seems to have had the fastest car since the first winter tests in Bahrain. Rival teams, including Red Bull, were quick to accuse the ‘papayas’ of using ‘illegal tricks’. A good sign, according to team boss Andrea Stella.
“It’s only a good thing that our rivals are focusing on certain aspects of our car,” Andrea Stella declared in a press conference leading up to the Emilia-Romagna GP. “Think of things like flexi-wings or other things that aren’t even on the car. That’s music to my ears. It means that the other teams are losing their focus, and that can only help us in achieving our goals.”
Piastri versus Norris
As for the legality of the MCL39, Andrea Stella has little to worry about for now. After extensive checks following the Miami GP, Oscar Piastri‘s car was fully approved by the FIA. The stewards took a thorough look at the McLaren car during a random test, but there was no evidence of illegal elements.
For now, McLaren thus holds the best cards for both world titles. However, experts are waiting for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to clash on the track. Only one of them can ultimately become champion, so the first battle is eagerly anticipated. “The internal struggle between Norris and Piastri is controlled by the racing principles and the approach we have chosen as a team,” Andrea Stella explained. “The drivers are also involved in this. So far, it’s working well, and that’s also due to the speed and professional attitude of both. As soon as things get tense, we’ll certainly guide them a bit from the pit wall. After all, it’s not a question of if this happens, but when it happens.”
