McLaren Boss Highlights Piastri‘s Rapid Growth Ahead of Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Sao Paulo, Brazil – As the Formula 1 season heads to Interlagos for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, McLaren team principal andrea Stella has underscored the notable progress Oscar Piastri is making in his third year with the team, despite slipping from championship leadership. while acknowledging Lando Norris’ continued evolution in his seventh season, Stella emphasized Piastri’s capacity for rapid betterment, particularly when encountering new track and environmental challenges.
piastri’s championship hopes have been impacted by recent results, but Stella points to the Mexican Grand Prix as evidence of the young Australian’s ongoing development. “If anything, we are still within this development,” Stella stated. “We saw even in Mexico – very particular conditions. Oscar is year three in formula 1, and he has just faced the very particular conditions of Mexico just a few times. he still needs to go through it,like ‘Let me elaborate what is going on here’ and already he made a big step from Saturday to Sunday just as he understood what needed to be done.”
Stella highlighted Piastri’s ability to quickly adapt and implement changes once he grasps the necessary adjustments. “He goes there and he does it – a great talent in terms of evolving, developing once he understands what’s needed to be done.”
Norris, meanwhile, continues to refine his skills, particularly in race management and tire conservation. “His development has been continued,” Stella said. “He’s become a very strong driver in the race, especially in some conditions. I think he’s definitely the best driver when it comes to going long stints, used tyres – that’s Lando’s regime.”
Both drivers have been crucial to McLaren’s resurgence, transforming the team from a backmarker two years ago into a consistent frontrunner capable of challenging for race wins and championships.Stella praised Norris’ early commitment to the team during a difficult period. “[norris] has been a fundamental part of the leadership,” Stella explained. “The commitment he made to McLaren when we did not have much to offer – and yet he committed to McLaren; he trusted that we would turn the place around – is something that sent a strong message to everyone, sent a strong message to the entire team, a message of belief, and it’s a message for which we are definitely grateful.”
Stella extended similar praise to Piastri, noting his dedication despite the team’s limitations in 2023. “It’s the same sort of message that Oscar offered when he said, ‘I’m committed to McLaren’ when in fact we didn’t have much to offer in 2023. The same kind of commitment to the team,the same sort of all-in for the team,full support to the team,did come from Oscar as well.”
With the championship battle intensifying, McLaren will be looking to both Piastri and Norris to maximize their potential in Sao Paulo and beyond as they continue their title tilt.