According to Lando Norris, McLaren could not have a better team principal than Andrea Stella: He sees McLaren on the right path for the future
Lando Norris says he “couldn’t wish for a better team principal” than Andrea Stella. The Italian was appointed to his new role in 2023 when predecessor Andreas Seidl pushed for a move to Sauber in the winter, where he became the new Managing Director
Under the German’s leadership, McLaren had experienced an upswing in recent years, but things were not going well under Stella at the start of the 2023 season. As a result, the team completely overhauled its technical structure and even became the second powerhouse behind Red Bull in the summer.
Meanwhile, the team appreciates the fact that Stella, a man from its own ranks, was promoted to succeed Seidl and is also regarded as an effective communicator.
For these reasons, Norris believes that there is no better candidate to lead McLaren. When asked if the paddock was right to be so confident in Stella, he replied: “[I feel] exactly the same.”
“I gave an interview the other day and thanked him. I don’t think it’s just about him,” says Norris. “You have to thank a lot of other people on the team as well, because they’ve done a lot of the work. “
“Andrea is simply the director of the whole thing. He’s the producer on set and everyone else is the actors, but they all have to work very well together. That’s what they do,” he praises. “So he did a great job. I’m very, very happy to have him where he is.”
“He does a lot for the team every weekend in terms of the races, qualifying and all that. I couldn’t ask for a better team principal,” said Norris.
Under Stella’s leadership, McLaren has made some high-profile signings. Ferrari chassis chief David Sanchez has been signed up, while long-time Red Bull chief designer Rob Marshall will officially start work as chief technical director in Woking on January 1, 2024.
Next year’s car will also be the first to be tested on site in the team’s new wind tunnel, eliminating the need to hire and transport test elements to the Toyota factory in Cologne.
These steps to improve McLaren’s performance will be crucial in convincing Norris to sign a new contract, as the Briton’s current deal expires at the end of 2025.
He adds: “I’m very pleased. We have some new additions. I’m happy because we’re finally on the right track and we know the direction we need to go in. “