McLaren's Strategy to Avoid a Repeat of the 2007 Title Collapse

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella is maintaining close contact with his drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, to prevent a repeat of the internal strife that cost the team the 2007 F1 championship. Stella emphasized learning from history to ensure a McLaren driver ultimately clinches any future title.

Why it matters:

McLaren's resurgence in recent seasons has put them back in contention for race wins and, potentially, future championships. Preventing internal driver rivalry from escalating—a scenario that notoriously derailed their 2007 title bid—is crucial for maximizing their competitive potential and ensuring team success.

The Details:

• Learning from History: Andrea Stella highlighted the 2007 season as a critical lesson, where intense internal competition between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton ultimately allowed Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) to snatch the championship in the final race.
• Internal Competition: Stella, who was on the Ferrari side during the 2007 season, observed that the competition within McLaren "went a little too far," creating an opening for a rival team to win the title.
• Proactive Communication: To avoid a similar outcome, Stella is actively engaging with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. His stated goal is to "make sure that the winner drives a papaya car," emphasizing collective team success over individual rivalry.
• Never Give Up: Stella also referenced the 2010 season, where the championship was won by the third-placed driver in the standings at the final race, reinforcing the lesson of perseverance and not taking anything for granted in a championship battle.

The big picture:

McLaren has shown significant progress, particularly in the latter half of the current season, consistently challenging Red Bull and Max Verstappen. This renewed competitiveness means the team must manage driver dynamics carefully as they aim for higher stakes. Stella's proactive approach signals a clear intent to foster a competitive yet controlled environment, crucial for a team with championship aspirations.

What's next:

As McLaren continues its upward trajectory and aims to challenge Verstappen's dominance, effective management of driver relations will be paramount. Should Norris and Piastri find themselves in a title fight, Stella's preventative measures and ongoing communication will be rigorously tested. The team's ability to maintain harmony while pushing for individual excellence will be a key factor in their championship pursuit.