(Motorsports news) After team principal Andreas Seidl left for Sauber during the winter, Stella, a former executive director of McLaren, assumed control of the F1 team. Seidl is still regarded highly in the paddock, but Stella won accolades all through 2023 for completely revamping the McLaren technical setup. This opened the door for a flurry of improvements that made the MCL60 a vehicle that could frequently challenge Red Bull.

The ambitious precedent that has been set since the Italian engineer was promoted from within to the top position is something that the McLaren crew finds appealing. Stella’s communication skills are likewise highly regarded by them. According to Norris, there isn’t a better person to head McLaren for these reasons. When asked if Stella had the right to win over the paddock, he said, “I feel exactly the same.”

“I just wanted to say big thanks to him after doing an interview with him the other day in Abu Dhabi. It’s not all on him, in my opinion. You must extend your gratitude to the other members of the team, as they have contributed significantly to the project. “Andrea is merely the overall director.” He is the set’s producer, and the rest of the group is the cast, although excellent teamwork is required. They are acting in that manner. He has therefore done a fantastic job. I am so, so grateful that he is where he is.

Every weekend, he continues to contribute significantly to the team’s performance in qualifying, racing, and other areas. However, I couldn’t ask for a better team leader. Stella has overseen McLaren’s high-profile additions. David Sanchez, the head of chassis at Ferrari, was hired, and on January 1, 2024, Rob Marshall, the chief engineering officer of Red Bull, will formally begin his position as head of engineering and design in Woking.

Additionally, the team’s new on-site wind tunnel will be included into the automobile for the first time next year, saving on renting and freighting test items to the Toyota facility in Cologne. The Briton’s current contract is set to expire at the end of 2025, so getting him to sign a new one will depend on how well McLaren performs going forward. “I’m very excited,” the driver continued. There are a few fresh hires here. We’re finally on the right track and know which way to push, which excites me.

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