McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has declared the team ready to “finally” make peace with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a circuit that has historically exposed the MCL40’s aerodynamic limitations. Following a dominant Sao Paulo Grand Prix where Lando Norris secured his third win of the season and Oscar Piastri demonstrated a significant pace uptick, Stella believes the team’s recent development trajectory positions them strongly for the upcoming United States round. The Brazilian weekend highlighted the car’s ability to manage tire temperatures in cold, wet conditions, a stark contrast to the high-speed demands of the Nevada circuit.
Team principal targets top-speed weaknesses after dominant Sao Paulo victory
Stella acknowledged that Las Vegas presents a unique challenge due to its long straights and late-evening cold temperatures, which prioritize top speed over downforce. He admitted that the current gear ratios are not ideal for achieving maximum velocity, a weakness previously evident at high-speed tracks like Monza and Baku. However, the team principal expressed optimism, noting that while McLaren is not traditionally the best car for pure top-speed requirements, the vehicle is objectively faster now than in previous seasons. This performance boost provides a crucial foundation for competing against rivals who excel in straight-line speed.
The strategic focus for Las Vegas will be on mitigating the car’s top-speed deficit through setup adjustments and leveraging the improved overall package. With the MCL40 showing strong reliability and pace in Brazil, McLaren aims to convert this momentum into a strong points haul in Nevada. Stella’s confidence signals a shift in approach, moving from defensive caution to aggressive point-chasing, as the team seeks to close the gap with top-speed specialists before the season finale.
Source: Yahoo Sports
