McLaren's team boss would be 'proud to add title to McLaren's legacy'
F1 News
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella refuses to get ahead of himself. McLaren can almost grasp their first title since 1998 but still have Ferrari on their tails. A 10-place grid penalty for Charles Leclerc will help the Papaya team in Abu Dhabi, but there is still a long race yet to take place. Stella is sure that it will be a tough race for his team anyway, with a huge result at stake.
McLaren 'remain calm' on the brink of title:
McLaren has a 21-point lead heading into the last race at the Yas Marina Circuit. It's a solid bit of breathing room, but anything can happen in Formula 1 racing, especially at a season finale in Abu Dhabi. For McLaren, does Leclerc's grid penalty take some of the pressure off? "Not at all. I guess you expected this answer. Not at all. We talk about Charles Leclerc, we talk about Ferrari. It's a very strong combination. I think even with the penalty, I wouldn't be surprised if we can see them very rapidly fighting for the front, for the top positions. So, nothing changes. We keep remaining calm, focused and full of energy," Stella began in the team principal's press conference.
The Woking-based team last won the constructors title in 1998. Ferrari has also had a long wait, last winning the top prize in 2008. Every single year since then, the title has been won by either Red Bull or Mercedes (excluding Brawn's 2009 unicorn year). Stella has already become a Formula 1 champion with Ferrari once. The Italian knows what it is like to triumph and take home the coveted trophy at the end of the year. Still, Stella remains extremely relaxed, refusing to celebrate early.
Stella focuses on the team effort: 'We will be so proud'
"Well, I understand that this is a personal question like you asked about meaning for me, but very genuinely, I can say that my thoughts are about the team and what this means for the team. McLaren is iconic, prestigious, and one of the most important teams in Formula 1. We have not won a championship since 1998. So, I guess the meaning is making a piece of history. And for me personally, and for the entire team, we will be extremely proud to add to the legacy, to this great legacy."
This article was written in collaboration with Corwin Kunst
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