McLaren’s F1 boss Andrea Stella has reaffirmed the team’s accomplishments in the 2024 season, arguing that missed chances shouldn’t cloud the “high standard” McLaren has achieved. With a slim three-race cushion and a 36-point lead over Ferrari, McLaren remains on track for its first Constructors’ Championship win since 1998. However, its hopes for a dual title have dimmed, as Lando Norris trails Max Verstappen by 62 points after Brazil.
Despite Norris’s strong starting position at Interlagos, a challenging race in wet conditions saw him slip from pole to sixth while Verstappen rose from 17th on the grid to win. Reflecting on these setbacks, Stella acknowledges that errors in strategy and execution have cost the team crucial points this season.
Stella emphasized that McLaren’s method is to scrutinize each misstep in detail to drive continuous improvement. “If you ask any team if they have missed opportunities, the honest answer will always be ‘yes.’ This is our mindset. Without thorough review, you don’t improve,” Stella told reporters.
While acknowledging areas to improve, Stella remained adamant that these setbacks shouldn’t overshadow McLaren’s progress. Since their car upgrade in Miami, McLaren has consistently outscored other competitors, signaling that its operational and driving standards have remained high despite occasional missteps.
“Since delivering lap-time improvements in Miami, McLaren has outscored every other team by far. It’s not only about having the best car but also about maintaining high standards,” Stella said. “The team and our drivers have operated at a level we’re incredibly proud of, setting a positive foundation for future growth.”
He stressed that while continuous self-assessment is crucial, the team’s culture of resilience has fostered this season’s success, and the lessons learned will fortify McLaren’s championship aspirations in future seasons.
“We’re very happy with what we’ve achieved and how we’ve performed this year,” Stella concluded. “There are still a few races left, and hopefully, we can minimize any missed chances to finish the season strong.”
