McLaren has fired back at Red Bull and other rivals, accusing them of deploying “psychological warfare” in the latest rear wing controversy surrounding the MCL38. As McLaren holds a slim 40-point lead over Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, tension is mounting, and team principal Andrea Stella isn’t holding back. The Woking-based team’s recent success has drawn scrutiny, with Red Bull alleging that McLaren’s rear wing includes a “mini-DRS” advantage—a claim Stella has dismissed as baseless.
Labeling the accusations as a ploy to unsettle McLaren, Stella insists the rumors are a desperate attempt by competitors to undermine the Papaya team’s newfound dominance. “This is psychological warfare,” he declared. When opponents get so distracted by our technical choices, it tells me they’re losing their compass a bit.” Stella noted that this barrage of accusations has only strengthened McLaren’s resolve, solidifying a tight-knit team determined to finish the season on top.
However, it wasn’t an easy ride at the recent United States Grand Prix, where McLaren struggled in low-speed corners. The team is regrouping and tuning up its car as it heads into the Mexican Grand Prix, fully aware of the need to defend against both Red Bull and a resurgent Ferrari.
McLaren’s surge has been fueled by the unified performances of Lando Norris and rookie sensation Oscar Piastri. While some teams rely on a clear pecking order, McLaren has embraced an egalitarian approach, treating both drivers as equals. Stella addressed this directly, emphasizing the need for teamwork over individual glory. “We don’t play the ‘number one’ or ‘number two’ driver game,” he said. “We’re building a united team to perform well not just for one weekend but for years to come.”
With the final races of the season set to test McLaren’s mettle, Stella is pushing the team to stay united and focused on the title. Facing fierce competition from Red Bull and Ferrari, the team knows the path to victory demands precision, resilience, and a clear mind unfazed by the growing noise from their rivals. In the high-stakes world of F1, McLaren is determined to rise above the psychological warfare and prove their strength on the track.
