Andrea Stella acknowledges that McLaren has crafted a challenging scenario surrounding team orders, a move that ultimately highlights their dual strength, showcasing two drivers capable of clinching victories in a race-winning vehicle.
McLaren’s strategic implementation of team orders, now dubbed ‘papaya rules’, has sparked intense discussions this season as the team transitioned from being underdogs to formidable race winners and viable championship contenders.
McLaren ‘worked hard’ to create team order situation
Lando Norris currently finds himself in second place behind Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship. Although a title win remains a remote possibility due to a significant 62-point gap, the potential is undeniably present. This marks a shift for McLaren, who haven’t enjoyed such competitive positioning since Lewis Hamilton was in the running for the 2010 championship title.
The team, however, faced scrutiny when Norris was instructed to yield his position to Oscar Piastri during the Hungarian Grand Prix, a decision that ultimately cost Norris valuable championship points. Similarly, during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Piastri overtook Norris on the opening lap, resulting in a second and third-place finish for the duo, with Piastri leading and Norris missing out on an additional three points.
Norris salvaged some of those points in the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint race on Saturday. Piastri, who led from pole position until the 22nd lap, voluntarily allowed Norris to take the victory, reinforcing the team’s competitive spirit despite the ongoing dynamics. After the race, Norris managed to chip away at his points deficit to Verstappen, reducing it to 44 points, although the Red Bull driver later extended his lead with an impressive performance in the wet conditions during the main race.
Reflecting on his Sprint race victory, Norris expressed mixed feelings, stating he felt “not proud” of the way he clinched the win. McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, labeled the implementation of team orders a “difficult situation,” yet emphasized that it’s a challenge they’re prepared to tackle collectively.
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“Making life difficult for ourselves is natural, because when you have two drivers that can win races and a car that can win races, this first thing you have to accept is there’s not an easy solution,” he told Motorsport.com.
“That already sets you in a productive mindset to deal with potential difficulties ahead.
“As I have reiterated previously, we have exerted considerable effort to establish this challenging scenario, and there is a shared understanding among the team and drivers regarding the situation. I consistently engage in discussions with the drivers, emphasizing that navigating these complexities is perhaps the most formidable challenge we will encounter in our careers, as it’s a scenario where our individual interests may not align seamlessly.”
Oscar Piastri was ‘fine’ with handing Lando Norris the win
As for Piastri, he ultimately crossed the finish line in second place after successfully fending off Verstappen on the final lap, post a virtual safety car incident caused by Nico Hulkenberg’s stranded Haas.
“It’s not as exhilarating as winning. But I understand our current circumstances. We have been discussing this for months, and this marks the first instance where we’ve needed to enforce the team order,” he stated. “While I would prefer to win, it’s a Sprint race, and it ultimately earns the same points for the team. Realistically, my position in the Driver’s standings is less critical, so we anticipated that this type of situation could arise. I was completely fine with it.”
Piastri added, “We coordinated our strategy prior to the race concerning when to make the swap. The timing was tight, but we executed the plan as effectively as possible. We did encounter a close moment with Max under the VSC, but securing the maximum points for the team was our primary objective, and we achieved that.”
**Interview with Andrea Stella, Team Principal of McLaren**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Andrea. McLaren’s approach to team orders, particularly during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint, has drawn a lot of attention. Can you explain the rationale behind what you’re calling the ‘papaya rules’?
**Andrea Stella:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The ‘papaya rules’ represent our effort to create a competitive environment within the team. With two talented drivers like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri capable of winning races, we believe it’s essential to strategize effectively, even if that sometimes involves directing one driver to help another for the greater good of the team.
**Interviewer:** There’s been some scrutiny over decisions made this season, particularly when Lando had to yield to Oscar during the Hungarian Grand Prix. How do you address the concerns of fans and commentators regarding these decisions?
**Andrea Stella:** It’s a challenge, and I understand the concerns. In the case of Hungary, our goal was to maximize points for the team. The difficulty lies in balancing individual aspirations with team strategy. We believe that as the season progresses, the collective benefits will outweigh the short-term drawbacks, even if some fans are disappointed at times.
**Interviewer:** Lando mentioned feeling “not proud” of the way he clinched the victory in the Brazilian Sprint race. How do you handle the emotional aspects for your drivers when implementing these orders?
**Andrea Stella:** It’s critical to ensure our drivers feel supported and understood. Winning is an emotional experience, and I appreciate Lando’s honesty. We want them to thrive as competitors while also fostering a conducive team atmosphere. It’s a delicate balance, but we’re committed to nurturing both individual and team success.
**Interviewer:** With Lando currently second in the Drivers’ Championship, how do you view McLaren’s prospects moving forward, particularly against drivers like Max Verstappen?
**Andrea Stella:** Although the gap to the championship is significant, we view this as a strong foundation for the future. We’ve worked hard to develop a car that can compete at this level. Our focus is on consistency, strategic improvement, and maintaining our competitive spirit. We’re optimistic about the next races.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can we expect from McLaren in terms of further evolving your team strategy?
**Andrea Stella:** We’re always looking for ways to refine our approach. Expect further discussions about our strategy and open communication with our drivers. Our focus remains on developing the car, enhancing our teamwork, and pushing ourselves to be consistently in contention for wins. The ‘papaya rules’ are just one aspect of a broader vision for McLaren.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Andrea. It’s fascinating to hear about your strategic outlook for McLaren.
**Andrea Stella:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited about what’s ahead.
