McLaren team principal Andrea Stella wants to see his team contending at the front, irrespective of the circuit. For the first time in recent memory, McLaren have the chance to fight for victories on a regular basis. To achieve this, the factory in Woking must consolidate its progress with the MCL38.
Ferrari were the happiest team at the end of the Monaco GP. The SF-24 showed great raw speed and managed to generate heat better than in previous events. Despite this, Andrea Stella’s team also left the Principality with very positive feelings.
Three races is still a relatively small sample size, but it is by no means an insignificant one. Because of this, conclusions are slowly being made about the MCL38. The current verdict is extremely positive, with the papaya team delivering strong results – even at circuits that would not have been favourable before the Miami updates.
McLaren have achieved one of the most difficult aspects of developing an F1 car – improving a weakness without giving away your strength. The team’s excess drag and low-speed limitations have been largely eliminated. At the same time, the strengths the car began the season with remain.
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38
STELLA DEMANDS SUSTAINED PROGRESS FROM MCLAREN
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Canadian GP, Andrea Stella emphasises his key objectives.
“We are pleased to have returned to the factory from the doubleheader with two P2 trophies… However, we are still towards the start of the season. So we have to work hard to ensure these results keep coming
“We go into this year’s Canadian Grand Prix more optimistic than last year’s, but with the understanding that we still face a tough battle to be competitive here.
“Our aim is to build a car that can be consistently competitive at all types of circuit, and the team are working hard to unlock that performance.”
McLaren are entering unfamiliar territory, in the sense that victories and podium finishes are now expected. The burden of expectation will weigh more heavily on a team who are used to being the underdogs. Red Bull are no longer expected to blow the competition out of the water.
This is a good problem to have and one that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will welcome.
