McLaren boss Andrea Stella has expressed being faster than Red Bull provided a “reassuring” aspect amid the team’s setback at Formula 1‘s United States Grand Prix.
The Woking-based squad arrived in Austin last weekend having won three races in four since the summer break and with more updates to be introduced to its MCL38.
However, McLaren’s pace transpired to be less competitive than usual at the Circuit of the Americas as neither driver was on the podium for the first time in 14 events.
Lando Norris did cross the line in third place, but an overtake on Max Verstappen outside track limits in the closing laps saw him penalised and dropped him one spot.
The Briton’s loss to Verstappen, who also won the earlier Sprint race, proved damaging to his title chances as the reigning champion extended his margin to 57 points.
But Stella implied that Norris’ championship prospects aren’t over despite that blow as he took encouragement from McLaren being quicker than Red Bull in race trim.
Asked whether McLaren could have achieved more, Stella told media including Motorsport Week: “Difficult to say, because not necessarily the two Ferraris needed to push 100% today.
“We already knew before the race that Ferrari was very likely the best car.
“I think it was clear throughout the weekend, even yesterday in the Sprint, I think if they had not fought with each other, then they would have been able to win the Sprint.
“But finishing behind Ferrari was a good result for us. We were not very far.
“I think Lando, because of losing the time at the start, in the first corner, kind of needed to accept that he needed to control the pace in the first part of the stint.
“Then we could extend and try and recover the position at the end by stopping late.
“So, difficult to say if we were in condition to challenge for the victory. I think Ferrari were a little quicker than us, but it’s reassuring to see that we were faster than Red Bull.”
Red Bull pleased to curb McLaren’s momentum
However, Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner has labelled curbing McLaren’s momentum as an “important” moment in the side’s quest to retain Verstappen’s crown.
“I mean, nothing’s ever comfortable or assured. But it was important for us,” Horner said when asked how confident he is about the Drivers’ Championship now.
“This is the first time we’ve outscored Lando since, I think, Spa. So that was important for us to get off the back foot and more onto the front foot.”
Horner expects strong Ferrari in Mexico
Meanwhile, Horner has also contended that both McLaren and Red Bull should anticipate Ferrari’s competitive showing in Austin to continue in Mexico this weekend.
“The form is moving from day to day, circuit to circuit,” he assessed. “I think Ferrari have brought performance here.
“They’ve looked very strong, particularly in the race trim [their pace] was interesting.
“Obviously, they sacrificed, perhaps, a little in quali to benefit in the race. And I’m sure they’ll be competitive in Mexico City.”
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