Andrea Stella maintains an unwavering stance regarding the 2025 Drivers' Championship, asserting that McLaren remains firmly in control of its outcome, even amidst Max Verstappen's impressive comeback performance.
Verstappen, the talented Dutch driver, has dominated the recent races, winning three out of the last four Grands Prix and seizing victory in the Sprint race in Austin. This series of triumphs has brought Verstappen significantly closer to Oscar Piastri, who still enjoys a 40-point lead in the championship standings. Lando Norris, another key McLaren driver, is positioned just 14 points behind Piastri, highlighting the competitive nature of the championship.
During the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas, Norris showcased remarkable skill, finishing second to Verstappen after an intense battle that required him to overtake his rival Charles Leclerc not once, but twice, on the track. Stella is confident that if Norris had not momentarily lost position to Leclerc at the race's start—an event that added layers of complexity to the race—McLaren had the potential speed necessary to clinch victory in Austin.
Stella commented, "Today’s race offers reassuring insights because without needing to engage in a tussle with Charles—entertaining as it was—Lando had the pace to secure the win. It’s important to acknowledge that gaining track position against a formidable competitor like Max is never straightforward, and with a one-stop strategy, we weren't necessarily presented with numerous strategic opportunities. Nonetheless, performance-wise, we can be confident that we had what it took to contest for the win."
It's worth noting that Norris last celebrated a victory before the summer break in Hungary, while his teammate Piastri enjoyed a victory at Zandvoort at the end of August. Although McLaren has already wrapped up the Constructors’ title, the battle for the Drivers’ championship remains highly competitive and open.
Stella took a moment to commend Norris for his performance, especially considering he initially faltered against Leclerc's softer tires but managed to strategically manage his own tires effectively, leading to two successful overtakes against the Ferrari driver. Despite not standing atop the podium, Norris continues to chip away at Piastri’s lead. It’s intriguing to consider how the championship standings might look if it weren't for Norris’s mechanical failure in Zandvoort that previously sidelined him.
"Today really demonstrated Lando's capabilities," Stella continued. "He excels in high degradation situations, he performs well with long stints, and he is adept at managing races under challenging conditions, like heat and limited grip. He remained composed throughout the race, truly showcasing his talent. However, I can’t help but ponder if he had retained that position in the first corner—it could have led to a completely different racing dynamic, possibly allowing us to follow Max instead of Charles."
While the question of whether McLaren could have challenged Verstappen remains a topic for debate, Stella is acutely aware of the uphill battle his team faces to reclaim the momentum currently held by Red Bull. Nonetheless, with both Norris and Piastri securing the top two spots in the Championship standings, Stella remains composed and optimistic.
"I've stated emphatically that Max is in contention for the Drivers' Championship, and when I say something, I stand by it. There’s no ambiguity in my mind. We recognize that when Max has the tools he needs to succeed, he poses a significant threat,” Stella expressed. “However, this doesn’t alter our perspective or strategy. We must continue to emphasize performance maximization and consistently deliver strong weekends. Ultimately, we believe that the fate of this season, along with the Drivers’ Championship, is firmly in our own hands—not dictated by others. That is the mindset we hold, and that is the mindset we will continue to embody.“
Race Tickets in Mexico City: Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Formula 1 in Mexico City... BOOK NOW!
(For more details on tickets, visit: https://tickets.formula1.com/en/f1-4861-mexico)
That being said, what do you think about McLaren's confidence in handling the championship? Are they right to believe they control their destiny? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
/GENERAL%20CROP%20-%202025-10-20T163345.248.webp)
