Stella says McLaren must assess MCL40’s potential after Baku and Sepang struggles

Andrea Stella says McLaren must look beyond set-up choices after reviewing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s data from the recent races in Baku and Sepang. The team found no clear anomalies in the data, leaving a harder question: whether rivals have developed their cars more effectively.

Stella questions relative competitiveness

Stella also pointed to Sepang’s abrasive asphalt as a factor in the car’s behaviour, including its interaction with the tyres. But he said McLaren’s review had not indicated that a different set-up would have changed the outcome.

“We’ve reviewed the data, and we think the car worked where it needed to work to extract downforce and mechanical grip. If anything, it’s more a question of the car’s potential,” Stella said.

He added that the updates had increased the MCL40’s potential according to the team’s information, even as its on-track competitiveness appeared to have slipped relative to its rivals. McLaren plans to assess the car and its new features from Singapore, with further developments still expected for the final races. Stella’s stated aim is to make another step forward and return to the fight for podiums.

That assessment follows an extensive upgrade sequence. McLaren revised the front wing, floor edge, bargeboards, engine cover and floor before the summer break, then introduced and revised a Macarena-style rear wing. The team also brought a substantial package to Baku, including new inlets and sidepods. Further detail on the team’s Baku development plans is available in this report on McLaren’s aero upgrades for Norris and Piastri.

Stella’s conclusion was pointed: McLaren sees no data anomaly to explain the drop, but must recognise that competitors may have developed their cars better. The next rounds will test whether the team’s upgrades can translate their measured potential back into results.