McLaren experienced its strongest weekend of the season in Miami and is therefore cautiously looking ahead to a new title fight. After a difficult start to the season, in which both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri did not even start in China, the first step towards recovery was already taken in Japan with a podium finish for Piastri. In Miami, McLaren convincingly continued that trend: Norris won the sprint race in the updated MCL40, after which both drivers also reached the podium on Sunday.
Team principal Andrea Stella remains cautious about his team’s title chances despite the strong performances. “I think we need to be careful if we start thinking about the championship already,” he said to the media in the paddock. “This was only the fourth race and we have just introduced our first upgrade.” At the same time, the Italian emphasized that McLaren still sees a lot of potential in the current car.
“That said, we have already scored quite a few points, even compared to Mercedes,” he continued optimistically. “In addition, we know that we can further develop our car. In the run-up to Miami, we already indicated that we do not want to write off the championship; now we are focusing on the long term, hoping to be able to defend our title. At the same time, we remain focused on the present and on the things we can improve NOW. Of course, we want to prolong our title, but it makes little sense to only look ahead.”
Praise for Antonelli
Stella also spoke highly of Mercedes talent Kimi Antonelli, but also emphasized the strength of McLaren’s own lineup. “We have to give Kimi credit for what he shows and actually performs on the track,” the team principal continued. “The quality of his racing, his consistency and his speed – both over one lap and during a complete race – are impressive. Based on the tests, I might have rated George (Russell, ed.) higher, but for some reason the tide has turned. I think Kimi owes this to the team around him; success comes from this synergy,” Stella noted. “Well done Kimi, well done Mercedes.”
About his own drivers he added: “If we specifically look at the constructors’ championship, I think we currently have the strongest driver duo. We want to make the most of that strength within McLaren, although we still need to make the car just a little faster.” After four races, the papayas are third in the constructors’ championship with 94 points.
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