Listen & read
McLaren comes away from the Japanese Grand Prix buzzing with potential after a strong performance. Team principal Andrea Stella reflects on a weekend that exceeded expectations. Oscar Piastri’s race saw him leading at one point, a feat unthinkable earlier in the season. “We confirmed progress,” Stella states, noting the team’s first complete race with both cars finishing. A strategic early pit stop aimed to maintain their lead backfired dramatically when a Safety Car was deployed just after, allowing Kimi Antonelli to steal the lead. Piastri, despite a solid restart, couldn’t reclaim control. “We’ll never know if we could have won,” admits Stella, recognizing Antonelli’s superior pace. McLaren’s performance signals a turnaround, yet the lingering question remains—could Piastri have clinched victory without the Safety Car intervention? The team focuses on the positives, setting the stage for future races.
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