Lando Norris saw his title rival Max Verstappen extend his lead in the championship last weekend. Thanks to a convincing victory in São Paulo, the Dutchman has expanded his lead to sixty-two points. As a result, there is a high probability that Verstappen will be crowned champion at the upcoming GP in Las Vegas. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella admits that the team is primarily focusing on the constructor’s title.
German publication Autosport asked Andrea Stella about the last three Grands Prix – a new triple header starting at the end of November will decide both championships. Is McLaren traveling to Las Vegas with a different mindset now that the gap between Norris and Verstappen has grown? “I think nothing has changed,” the Italian responded. “The constructor’s championship was always our priority.”Even when we had to intervene as a team during a race, it was always subordinate to our ambitions for the constructors’ title,” Stella added. Does McLaren then lack confidence in Lando Norris‘ chances of winning the drivers’ championship? “I don’t think he (Norris) has ever felt any pressure,” Stella assured. The team boss emphasizes that the team has always focused on the individual races – maximizing each weekend was the most important thing.
Constructors’ Title
McLaren is still leading in the constructors’ standings; the difference with second-place Ferrari is thirty-six points. “We have always enjoyed this challenge. Mathematically, we still have a chance at the drivers’ title, but I think both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will simply refocus on winning the race.”
With consecutive races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi ahead, Andrea Stella rates McLaren’s chances highly. “Qatar and Abu Dhabi are promising, based on the rest of the season we should be very good there,” he explained. “I expect Vegas to be more of a Ferrari circuit. Anything is still possible, but the constructors’ championship is our priority.”
