McLaren team leader Andrea Stella responded to the overwhelming fan reactions with a mix of humility and confidence. Addressing the “This car gotta be illegal” comments, Stella acknowledged the praise but emphasized that their success was a result of hard work, smart engineering, and strategic planning rather than any unfair advantage. He stated that while the car has shown remarkable pace, it fully complies with all FIA regulations and technical directives.
Stella also highlighted the team’s resilience in adapting quickly to recent technical challenges, such as the FIA’s new directive on front wing flexibility, which many expected to impact performance negatively. Instead, McLaren managed to maintain and even improve their competitiveness, showing the depth of their engineering capabilities.
He praised drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for their stellar performances during qualifying, noting that their skill behind the wheel was equally vital to the team’s strong position. Stella expressed optimism about the upcoming race, acknowledging the challenge posed by other teams but confident in McLaren’s chances.
Overall, Stella’s reaction was measured, focusing on teamwork and technical excellence rather than hype, while also appreciating the passionate support from fans who are excited about McLaren’s resurgence in Formula 1.
