McLaren Boss Andrea Stella: Focus on Process, Not Results, Key to Formula 1 Success
As the Formula 1 calendar unfolds, McLaren boss Andrea Stella has emphasized that the team’s primary focus lies in refining its processes, rather than fixating on results, in its pursuit of returning to title contention. Stella’s appointment in late 2022 has sparked a resurgence in McLaren’s fortunes, transforming the team from a perennial midfield fixture to a regular challenger at the front since last summer.
The Woking-based squad has built upon the momentum it gathered in the last campaign, securing Lando Norris’ maiden win in Miami, and consistently featuring in the mix at Imola and Canada. Over the previous three rounds, McLaren has accumulated more points than its rivals, narrowing the gap to 40 points behind second-placed Ferrari in the championship standings.
“We look at the classification, we see we are in a good position, we look at the plot of the points, we see we are in a good gradient. But the second after we do that, we forget and we think about what do we need to do now to be good at the next race? What do we do now to be good at the following races, delivering projects?”
Stella reiterated that the team’s focus lies in the process, rather than the outcome. “So we don’t really focus on outcome and results. We focus more on the process and on being always performance-focused, let’s say, and delivery of projects. I think in Formula 1, if you focus too much on results, you may be easily carried away.”
The Italian team principal also highlighted Oscar Piastri’s impressive run to second in Monaco, which demonstrated that the team’s latest developments had largely addressed its previous slow-speed cornering weakness. However, Stella warned that McLaren is still not in a position to consistently beat Red Bull, despite the gap at the sharp end having narrowed.
When asked whether McLaren can now be in a position to win at each round, Stella responded, “We think that we could be a challenger for podiums. If we look at the current situation from a competitiveness point of view, there are a few teams in a narrow band in terms of lap time, separated by a few tenths of a second. Track layout makes a difference. Drivers can make a difference. I think we saw [Charles Leclerc] was in phenomenal shape in Monaco. So there are many variables. What’s important is just to try and be as prepared as possible and maximise the package. And then we see what the results will be.”
As the Formula 1 season continues, McLaren’s focus on refining its processes will be crucial in its pursuit of challenging for podiums and eventually, the championship title. With the Formula 1 calendar heating up, fans can expect an intense battle for supremacy, and McLaren’s approach will be closely watched as it strives to return to the top of the Formula 1 standings.
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