Fernando Alonso has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Andrea Stella after McLaren clinched the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, ending a drought that had spanned over two decades. In a poignant moment before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alonso wished Stella success, recalling the heartbreak the two had shared during Ferrari’s 2010 title collapse.
From Ferrari Agony to McLaren Glory
Stella, who was Alonso’s race engineer during his time at Ferrari, played a key role in the infamous 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a strategic misstep cost Alonso the Drivers’ Championship. Reflecting on that bitter memory, Alonso shared his hope that Abu Dhabi would finally deliver something positive for Stella.
“I’m a very good friend of Andrea,” Alonso remarked. “So I told him, before the race, what Abu Dhabi took from our hands in 2010, hopefully today it gives something back to you—and it did.”
Alonso joked about taking credit for Stella’s success, quipping, “Yes, I should be part of his bonus!”
McLaren’s Remarkable Turnaround
Under Stella’s leadership, McLaren has undergone a dramatic transformation. After starting the 2023 season as backmarkers, the team made an astonishing climb to the top, culminating in Lando Norris’ victory in Abu Dhabi to secure the title. Stella’s strategic brilliance and ability to unite the team were pivotal in turning McLaren into 2024’s benchmark team.
Alonso praised McLaren’s resurgence, calling it “an example for many things now.” The Spaniard’s words carried weight, given his tumultuous history with McLaren during his second stint from 2015 to 2018, when uncompetitive cars marred his efforts.
A Friendship That Endures
Despite his rocky history with McLaren, Alonso maintains a close relationship with McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who has often expressed regret about the team’s inability to provide Alonso with a competitive car. Their friendship remains strong, with Alonso revealing plans for a joint track day with Brown in the coming weeks.
“Zak is a very good friend of mine. We will spend some days together now in the next few weeks that we will have some fun on a track day. We rented a track, actually.”
Redemption for Stella and McLaren
Stella’s triumph with McLaren marks a personal redemption arc after years of near-misses and challenges. For Alonso, it’s a story of vindication, seeing a former colleague achieve greatness in a sport known for its unforgiving nature.
As McLaren basks in its return to the top, Stella’s leadership and McLaren’s resilience stand as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and teamwork. For Alonso, it’s a reminder that sometimes, even the harshest memories can lead to moments of shared joy and triumph.
