Weather could pose challenges for McLaren: 'Adds a level of uncertainty'

F1 News

Stella prepared for challenging weather in Spa
24 July at 17:00
Last update 24 July at 17:01
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  • Sophia Crothall

After both a difficult, yet celebratory weekend for McLaren, Andrea Stella has his sights set on another top weekend for the team as F1 heads to Spa, Belgium. The team finished one-two for the first time since 2021 last weekend in Hungary. The McLaren team principal now hopes the team can deliver once again. 

The Hungarian Grand Prix was overall a top weekend for the British team. They achieved their first one-two starting position since 2012 following qualifying on Saturday, and then finished one-two for the first time in three years. The decisions made by the team were hit with heavy criticism, with Nico Rosberg also warning the team boss to become firmer with his drivers. Nevertheless, Stella is now set on the challenge ahead: "The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is a driver favourite but also the longest and one of the most challenging on the calendar," he said.

What challenges could McLaren face in Spa? 

This weekend, drivers can expect to be met with wet conditions in Spa, especially on Saturday for qualifying, where there is a 79 per cent chance of rain. The team boss is very much aware of this: "The changeable weather conditions add a level of uncertainty, but we take every challenge as an opportunity."

As a constructor, McLaren have won at the circuit 14 times, just second behind Ferrari who have 18 wins at the track. The team have not won in Spa though since 2012, unlike Red Bull who have won consecutively for the past three years. The British team will certainly look to take on the top constructor, who they sit just 51 points behind in the standings. "We must push one final time and look to maximise our points-scoring opportunities before a well-deserved summer break,” Stella concluded.