Stella gives realistic take on Verstappen's title fight
Andrea Stella has revealed that the McLaren team never ruled out Max Verstappen from the title fight ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
“We have never been naive to say that Verstappen was not.”- Andrea Stella
The McLaren Team Principal, speaking in an interview via Formula 1, praised the pedigree of the four-time world champion, stating that his side have always been aware of his ability to mount a comeback.
"Max is Max, Red Bull is Red Bull. We are talking about a super champion, the reigning World Champion for the last four seasons, so in fairness, we have never been naive to say that Verstappen was not in the quest to become Drivers' World Champion,” Stella said.
Talks of Verstappen mounting a late title surge have gained momentum, particularly following the resumption of the sport after the summer break.
The Red Bull Racing driver has gained 41 points on championship leader Oscar Piastri since the race in Zandvoort, cutting the gap at the top of the championship to 63 from over 100.
Stella: McLaren focused on themselves
Stella also stressed that the McLaren team remain focused on themselves despite the recent surge of the Dutch driver. The Italian motorsport chief noted how impressed he was with how both Lando Norris and Piastri have been able to block out the noise surrounding the championship and maintain their focus.
"This has always been something that was clear to us, but ultimately, once we know it, we just focus on ourselves, and I'm actually quite impressed by how much Lando and Oscar are able to just reduce the noise and focus on themselves.”
"They know that if they can extract the best of their potential, they can have very strong weekends and be in control of their own destiny in this quest to become champion."
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The title race rolls on with the United States Grand Prix – featuring both a sprint and the main race on the horizon. Last time out in Singapore, Verstappen again finished ahead of the McLaren duo.
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