Stella warns Mercedes and Ferrari as McLaren vows to stay in title fight
Summary
McLaren boss Andrea Stella says the team remains in the 2026 title hunt despite a slow start, aiming to close the points gap at Miami. The warning to Mercedes and Ferrari underscores a potential three‑way championship battle, echoing McLaren’s 2024 comeback.
McLaren principal Andrea Stella told Sky Sports Italia that despite a slow start, the 2026 title is still up for grabs, and his team aims to stay in the fight at the upcoming Miami GP. With McLaren currently third in the Constructors' standings, Stella says the points gap is bridgeable and race wins are within reach.
Why it matters:
McLaren’s resurgence could turn a two‑team fight into a three‑way battle, pressuring Mercedes and Ferrari. A strong Miami showing would revive morale and reassure sponsors after a rough start. The 2024 comeback proved the team can erase deficits, a blueprint Stella hopes to follow.
The details:
- Current standings: McLaren third with 46 pts, 44 behind Ferrari (90) and 89 behind Mercedes (135).
- Stella praised Mercedes as the most advanced and Ferrari as competitive, but said McLaren has “no limits.”
- Lando Norris shares the optimism; Oscar Piastri secured McLaren’s first podium of the season in Japan.
- In 2024 McLaren erased a similar deficit to win the Constructors’ title, a template Stella hopes to repeat.
What's next:
- Miami offers the first chance to cut the gap; a podium would bring it under 70 pts.
- McLaren must boost qualifying pace and race reliability to seize strategic chances.
- Consistent points finishes could keep the title fight alive deep into the season.
Original Article :https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/stella-ramps-up-pressure-on-rivals-with-explosive...