Stella Acknowledges Verstappen Threat as McLaren Aims for 'Big Points' in Brazil

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, along with Team Principal Andrea Stella, have outlined their ambitious goals for the Brazilian Grand Prix, with a clear focus on maximizing points amidst a tight championship battle. The team is acutely aware of the challenge posed by reigning champion Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

McLaren's strong recent form puts them squarely in the hunt for the Drivers' Championship, making every point crucial in the season's closing stages. The Brazilian Grand Prix, a Sprint weekend, offers enhanced scoring opportunities but also presents unique setup challenges and the perennial unpredictability of Interlagos weather. Successfully navigating these factors could be pivotal for McLaren's title aspirations.

The Details:

• Norris's Preparation: Lando Norris, currently leading the championship, spent time at the Woking HQ after the previous double-header, debriefing and utilizing the simulator to prepare for Interlagos, emphasizing his aim for "maximum points."
• Piastri's Focus: Oscar Piastri, trailing Norris by a single point, also highlighted the significance of the "big points" available throughout the Sprint weekend, stressing that the championship fight is far from over. He also noted his enjoyment of the track's unique characteristics, including elevation changes and a mix of straights and tight sections.
• Stella's Perspective: Andrea Stella expressed pride in his drivers leading the championship but acknowledged the formidable challenge from Max Verstappen, referring to him as a "very strong opponent" and the "reigning Champion and a four-time World Champion." He affirmed McLaren's commitment to giving maximum effort to keep the title "Papaya."
• Performance Caution: Despite the MCL39 being the fastest car in Mexico City, Stella cautioned against assuming similar performance in São Paulo, noting the intensity of the competition. He stressed the team's race-by-race mindset and the need to extract peak performance.
• Sprint Weekend Strategy: Stella highlighted the Sprint weekend format as an opportunity for more points but also warned of the increased need for attention to detail in car setup due to limited free practice. He also mentioned preparing for Interlagos's famously unpredictable weather.

What's next:

McLaren's strategic approach for Brazil centers on meticulous preparation and maximizing every scoring opportunity. The team's ability to maintain its competitive edge against a formidable opponent like Verstappen, while adapting to the unique demands of a Sprint weekend and variable weather, will be key to their championship ambitions as the 2025 season draws to a close. The outcome in Brazil could significantly influence the final standings. The team remains committed to extracting every ounce of performance to give Norris and Piastri the best chance to fight for top positions and secure the Drivers' title.