McLaren has officially announced the extension of Andrea Stella’s contract as Team Principal, securing his leadership for years to come.
In a move that solidifies its commitment to long-term success, McLaren has announced a multi-year contract extension for team principal Andrea Stella. The Italian, who took over the role from Andreas Seidl at the end of 2022, has been instrumental in the team’s remarkable turnaround this season.
Under Stella’s leadership, McLaren has evolved from a consistent midfield team to a serious championship contender following a string impressive results, including two Grand Prix victories and a total of 18 podium finishes in the current season.
The Woking-based outfit has demonstrated consistent performance, achieving ten consecutive podiums, which highlights their competitiveness and potential for future success. This upward trajectory has made McLaren a formidable force in the championship race, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles.
The team currently sits second in the constructors’ standings, just 42 points behind Red Bull with ten races remaining.
Stella’s extensive experience in motorsport has been a critical factor in this turnaround. Before joining McLaren, he spent 15 years at Ferrari, where he played pivotal roles alongside legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
His deep understanding of race operations and performance management has been invaluable in shaping McLaren’s current success. In his statement regarding the contract extension, Stella expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the team.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the McLaren Formula 1 team, and I am honoured to continue in my role as team principal,” he said.
“We’ve made great strides forward in the past year and a half and we still have a lot more work to do to consistently fight at the front of the grid, which poses an exciting challenge.
“Success comes through the team working in synergy, and I am enjoying my role, which has allowed me to help unlock individual talent and empower people to work together towards our team’s objectives.
“My thanks go to Zak for his confidence in me as a leader, to my entire leadership team and all my colleagues in the team, for their continued collaboration and support. I am excited for what we can continue to achieve together.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown praised Stella’s “excellent leadership” and the “profound impact” he has had on the team’s results, trajectory, culture and mindset.
“I am delighted to confirm we’ve extended Andrea’s contract as our F1 team principal for multiple years,” Brown said.
“His excellent leadership, expertise and the respect he holds within the team and Formula 1 means we could not have a better person in place to continue the pursuit of consistently fighting at the front of the grid.”
The contract extension follows multi-year deals recently signed by drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, signaling a clear commitment to building a stable and competitive team poised to challenge for World Championships.
As McLaren approaches the summer break, the team is poised to capitalize on its momentum. With Stella at the helm, the organization is not only focused on immediate results but is also laying the groundwork for sustained success in the future.
The combination of a strong leadership team and a talented driver lineup positions McLaren well for the remainder of the season and beyond.
