McLaren Formula 1 Team Principal Andrea Stella has responded to increasing speculation linking him with a sensational switch to Ferrari.
Stella is seen by many as the architect of McLaren’s success in recent years, rising through the ranks of the team since joining in 2015 from Ferrari as Head of Race Operations.
Promoted to Performance Director in 2018, and then Racing Director in 2019, he assumed the role of Team Principal in 2023, spearheading McLaren’s double constructors’ titles in 2024 and 2025.
But the Italian has been linked to Ferrari, given the sensational news that GianPiero Lambiase will join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer in 2028.
But Stella has firmly rejected these rumours, jokingly confirming the speculations “made me smile.”
“Honestly, some of the recent rumours, including those regarding astronomical salaries and mythical pre-contracts, have made me smile,” said Stella.
Andrea Stella rumours showing ‘silly season’ now covers Team Principals?.
“Silly season”, covering driver moves, now seems to cover off Team Principals, the paddock seemingly connecting the dots of moves in the Team Principal market.
Jonathan Wheatley has departed Audi, heavily linked to Aston Martin, replacing Adrian Newey, while Stella’s supposed departure could lead to Fred Vasseur leaving Ferrari.
Stella had a somewhat unusual analogy to describe the whispers going in the paddock.
“It almost seems as though the ‘silly season’, which usually begins before summer, has arrived early!” he said.
” I’m quite used to this sort of thing by now and I take with a smile.
“It almost looks like that some envious pastry chef has tried to spoil the preparation of a good dessert at the McLaren patisserie.
“However, we do know very well how to distinguish the good ingredients from the poisoned biscuits….”
Stella’s firm denial is to be expected, but speculation will continue to grow until McLaren announces a firm contract renewal. Ferrari is also conspicuous in its silence.
Discussion about this post