McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has delivered a frank assessment of the competitive order in Formula 1, amidst several team upgrades.
As the season has progressed, McLaren has battled several issues for both drivers, leaving them far off their defending title. Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, the Woking-based outfit sits third in the constructors’ standings with 121 points. But Stella acknowledged that recent upgrades from Ferrari and Red Bull have shifted the balance of power.
Despite sitting third in the standings, the Italian believes that on pace alone, McLaren is the fourth fastest team. Admitting that his team are unable to continually compete at the front of the field.
“By pretty much every circuit, every condition, Mercedes is the fastest car, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes follow,” Stella explained to media, including Motorsport Week.
He continued by emphasising the increasing gap between the front teams. Ultimately, McLaren’s upgrade effectiveness is determined by the successes of its rivals.
“And in this group of three cars, then the upgrades are what make the difference,” Stella highlighted.
“And we have seen that with the upgrades that Ferrari has taken, plus the engine upgrade that they have here, they just made a step forward.
Red Bull upgrades here are quite impressive in terms of volume of upgrades, and here they were faster than McLaren.”
Behind McLaren’s pace struggles in Austria
The Woking outfit has shown glimpses of potential throughout the season. Whilst a disappointing start to its campaign, they boast four podium finishes and third place in the standings.
Oscar Piastri secured the team’s first podium of the year in Japan and Miami, before Lando Norris added further top-three finishes in Miami and Barcelona. Demonstrating that McLaren can still challenge towards the front when the conditions suit its package.
However, Stella further emphasised the team’s inability to match the rapid developmental pace of their rivals. Heading into the Austrian GP, both Ferrari and Red Bull both made gains through their upgrade packages.
“So, it’s a race of upgrades, a consistent pattern from a competitiveness point of view, and I think this sets for us the usual requirement and demand in terms of bringing our own upgrades.”
McLaren did not introduce any major performance upgrades for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, something Stella believes has left the team on the back foot compared to its direct competitors.
“We didn’t have anything too significant for this event, so we slip a little bit behind. We should start adding something slightly more consistent for the few races coming, and we will see there if we can give a bit of a turnaround to our season and close the gap.”
McLaren will be hoping for a way up the grid for today’s race, but will face stiff competition from a resurgent Mercedes and an improved Ferrari.
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