McLaren reflect on the Italian GP: 'We could've done some things better'

F1 News

F1 team boss Andrea Stella reflects on what McLaren could've done better
2 September at 12:53
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  • Toby Nixon
  • Editor

Although McLaren led the majority of the race, the papaya team was trumped by Ferrari at the 'temple of speed'. Charles Leclerc managed to hold on to take a popular victory in front of the Tifosi in Monza. Despite finishing second and third, McLaren was dejected with the result, as valuable points had been lost in the hunt for both championships. After the race, team principal Andrea Stella reflected on McLaren's errors and championship hopes in the paddock.

Andrea Stella has yet to implement team orders between his drivers even though Norris is 44 points in front of his teammate. The Brit is now 62 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen, who could only guide his RB20 to sixth place. 

When asked if both of his drivers could still win the title in the paddock post-Italian Grand Prix, Stella told GPblog and other media present: "I think both drivers are mathematically in condition to do so. But Lando is obviously in the best position from a numbers point of view, and we are fighting Max Verstappen, so I think if we want to give support to one driver, we definitely have to pick the one that is in the best position," he began.

Stella: 'There are things we could've done slightly better'

The Italian remained transparent. Despite Norris' form, he understands his driver and the team itself could've approached some scenarios differently this season. "I think Lando has been doing very well, like pole position in Zandvoort, pole position here. If anything, with Lando, we need to adjust some little racing things, which may help him, may help us capitalise on pole position like we had here in Monza. I think if we look at his first lap, while we review it together, we may see that there were a couple of things that we could have done slightly better," Stella explained.

McLaren will 'adjust' for future situations

So, how will McLaren analyse their mistakes to improve? "We need to take a look at the first lap. But it has to be done in a way that is competent, detailed, and specific, takes into account the videos, takes into account what was the driver's expectation, and then sees what we can learn from this situation to adjust the future situations. Save for the fact that we do want to give it a go at the championship with Lando." He concluded.

McLaren is now just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors championship. After Ferrari's victory, they are just 39 points behind Red Bull in a battle which is sure to go down to the wire. The papaya team must make sure that they can maximise their car and make minimal mistakes if they hope to win both world titles. 

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