Formula 1’s 2024 season has delivered a nail-biting spectacle, with an unprecedented four teams capable of dominating on any given weekend.
This intense level of competition has brought both triumphs and headaches for McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, whose team finds itself locked in a fierce battle for the constructors’ title with Ferrari and Red Bull.
Mercedes added another twist to the drama in Las Vegas, as George Russell clinched victory from pole position, with Lewis Hamilton charging from P10 to secure a one-two finish. This marked the first time in F1 history that four different teams-Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes-have achieved one-two finishes in a single season. While Stella acknowledged the significance of this historic season, he also admitted the unpredictability is a double-edged sword.
“Mercedes Saved Us, But It’s a War Out There”
Reflecting on McLaren’s performance in Vegas, where Ferrari closed the championship gap, Stella didn’t hold back.
“It’s disappointing that we lost 12 points in the championship,” Stella admitted. “But at the same time, we really have to thank Mercedes for dominating and locking out P1 and P2. Without that, Ferrari would have been an even bigger threat.”
However, Stella was quick to caution against complacency as the season barrels toward its conclusion. With two rounds remaining-Qatar and Abu Dhabi-the battle for supremacy is wide open.
“We go to Qatar knowing the car should perform well, but this isn’t going to be an easy ride. The level of competition this year is unprecedented. I can’t recall a season where four teams have operated at such a high level. It’s not just about winning; it’s about dominating-like Mercedes did in Vegas.”
“The Final Rounds Will Be Brutal”
Stella stressed that while McLaren’s car has been optimized for tracks like Qatar, the team cannot afford to relax.
“The layout in Qatar should suit our car, but if we think it’s going to be simple, reality will hit us hard,” Stella warned. “Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes have gathered critical data from Vegas, and all three are capable of winning in Qatar. We must maximize our car’s potential to stay ahead.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. McLaren has an opportunity to secure the constructors’ championship this weekend if it outscores Ferrari by 21 points and keeps Red Bull from gaining more than 14 points.
“Pride and Optimism for McLaren’s Future”
While Max Verstappen has already wrapped up the drivers’ championship, Stella said McLaren remains focused on celebrating its own progress this season. He expressed pride in Lando Norris for being the only driver capable of challenging Verstappen on multiple occasions.
“Since McLaren gave Lando and Oscar the tools to win, Lando has been on the same trajectory as Max,” Stella said. “There’s no disappointment here-just pride. We’re encouraged by what we’ve achieved and optimistic for the future.”
The Final Countdown
With everything to play for, the stage is set for a thrilling finale. As McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull vie for the ultimate prize in Qatar, Stella summed up the situation perfectly: “I always try to get things to be boring, but that’s not the case this time!”
One thing is certain-this season’s battle for supremacy will go down as one of the most captivating in Formula 1 history. Will McLaren rise to the occasion, or will Ferrari and Red Bull spoil their party? The answers await under the floodlights in Qatar.