The news is out! Andrea Stella’s reign at McLaren is far from over as he secures a multi-year extension to his contract as team principal.
Taking over from Andreas Seidl at the end of 2022, Stella has propelled McLaren up the Formula 1 ranks with significant upgrades and strategies. Notably, under his leadership, the team has clinched two wins this season and 18 podium finishes since 2023.
In a statement, Stella expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, “It’s a privilege to be part of the McLaren Formula 1 team, and I am honored to continue in my role as team principal. 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.”
Stella’s journey with McLaren began in 2015 after a notable career at Ferrari, where he worked with legends like Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen, and Fernando Alonso. Before becoming the team principal, he served in various key roles such as head of race operations, performance director, and executive director from 2019 to 2022.
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, couldn’t be happier with the decision. He stated, “I am delighted to confirm we’ve extended Andrea’s contract as our F1 team principal for multiple years. 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.”
Brown went on to praise Stella’s impact on and off the track, emphasizing his role in shaping the team’s culture and mindset. This extension comes on the heels of long-term deals for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, signaling McLaren’s commitment to stability and long-term success.
From his Ferrari days to now leading McLaren, Stella has garnered respect for his articulate media interactions and steadfast support for his team. His extension as team principal is seen as a positive move toward achieving world championship aspirations for McLaren.
With Stella’s contract extension, McLaren looks set for more exciting and successful years ahead. Can they continue their ascent and challenge the top teams? All eyes will be on them in the upcoming seasons.
