McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, sees the potential of an exciting championship battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in 2025 as an opportunity for the team, not an issue.
After McLaren’s triumphant 2024 season, which brought home their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, the team is gearing up now for an even bigger challenge.
Norris came close to dethroning Max Verstappen last season but couldn’t take the fight to the very end, probably because McLaren’s sluggish start to the year also cost them critical points early on.
But now Stella is confident that the momentum from their incredible finish last year can be carried over into 2025 and that might put both their drivers in contention for the title.
“We worked very hard to have a car capable of winning races and two drivers capable of winning races,” Stella explained. “We do want to have that kind of problem.”
The prospect of managing two championship-level drivers doesn’t intimidate Stella. If anything, he believes it’s proof of McLaren’s resurgence.
Learning From 2024
Even though the team won the Constructors’ Championship last season wasn’t without any challenges for McLaren.
One moment we all remember was the Hungarian Grand Prix, where team orders instructed Norris to let Piastri through. These situations could have created some tension between team mates, but McLaren approached them with a unified mindset.
“These are complications that we have already faced this season to some extent,” Stella said. “Both drivers were always fully aware that we need to find solutions that, first of all, put the interests of the team and then the interests of the drivers.”
Stella remains confident in the team’s ability to navigate any future challenges. For him, this is more than just a potential problem—it’s a sign that McLaren is in a strong position.
Eyes on a Strong Start
McLaren’s biggest focus for 2025 is ensuring they hit the ground running. Last season’s slow start was a key factor in missing out on the Drivers’ Championship.
“Our focus is to make sure that, from a technical point of view, we give Lando and Oscar a car that is in condition to fight for the championship,” Stella emphasized.
Reflecting on 2024, he acknowledged the lost potential from early underperformance. “Had we done this at the start of this season, without having some underperformance in the early races of the season, then we would have been in condition to fight for the Drivers’ Championship for longer.”
A Welcome Challenge
For McLaren, having two drivers capable of fighting for the title is the kind of pressure they’ve been striving for. Managing the dynamics between Norris and Piastri may be complicated, but Stella sees it as a hallmark of success.
“We’re not calling it a problem; we’re calling it an opportunity,” Stella said.
The team is ready to tackle the challenges that come with success. A car ready for battle from race one, combined with two highly skilled drivers, sets the stage for what could be an unforgettable season.
McLaren has its sights firmly set on staying at the top of Formula 1, and Stella is more than ready to lead the charge.
