McLaren is currently exceeding predictions for the new Formula 1 season. The first two races were won consecutively by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. During the recent Chinese GP, the team even scored a one-two finish, the fiftieth in the team’s history. CEO Zak Brown attributes McLaren’s recent success to team principal Andrea Stella.
After the GP in Shanghai, Zak Brown was elated; drivers Piastri and Norris crossed the finish line in first and second place respectively. “On paper, we absolutely did not expect that,” the American told Sky Sports. “Our team did a great job with the strategy. Again, I think we have the best driver combination, and of course our secret weapon; the best team principal in Formula 1,” he referred to Andrea Stella.
“When you combine that with all the great work of the men and women in the factory and on the track, such results won’t be long in coming,” he continued. “That being said, all teams are still quite close together, so we need to stay focused.”
‘Norris and Piastri Performing at Their Best’
In the lead-up to the opening race in China, Oscar Piastri was given a new contract, thereby tying both drivers to McLaren for the long term. According to Zak Brown, the agreement with Piastri was crucial for the entire team: “When you look at our pit wall, our technical leadership, Andrea (Stella), and our drivers, it’s all about stability, transparency, teamwork, and camaraderie. Our drivers get along great with each other and perform fantastically. After the winter break, they returned with a renewed focus on themselves and the team. They both know exactly what we’ve done with the car and are therefore performing at their best.”
With two victories under their belt, McLaren is now focusing on the upcoming GP in Japan. “We go into each weekend knowing that there are four teams that can win,” concluded Brown. “It’s great that we’re one of them. Historically, we perform well in Japan, and moreover, Suzuka is a fantastic circuit. In the lead-up to the season, it was predicted that it would be an epic year, and that is now starting to unfold.”
