McLaren admits it ‘expected’ Max Verstappen to ‘fly through’ Belgian GP from P11

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella was surprised to see Max Verstappen only finish fourth at the Belgian GP last weekend.

McLaren admits it ‘expected’ Max Verstappen to ‘fly through’ Belgian GP from P11

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was penalized by tenth-place grid penalty upon exceeding the limit of engine quota. The Dutchman changed his engine for the fifth time at the Belgian GP this season leading to a penalty. However, Verstappen is a driver who would finish near the podiums regardless of where he starts the race. But the Belgian GP didn’t turn out that way as he secured as high as fourth starting from P11. McLaren anticipated that despite the penalty, he would still finish in the top 3.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella explained that they thought Max Verstappen would fly from behind. As the Dutchman was penalized he had no advantage to be at the front of the pack, but he has abilities to reach at the front anywhere from the grid. Stella pointed out that last year Sergio Perez was just ten seconds behind Verstappen, and Red Bull ended up finishing on 1-2. At the Belgian GP the difference was very vast, as Checo finished in seventh despite starting from P2. The Italian thought that the result was positive for Mclaren amidst the Red Bull’s poor performance.

I expected Verstappen to fly through the field. Last year Perez finished just ten seconds behind Verstappen and Red Bull celebrated a one-two. So overall I see the result as positive.
Andrea Stella said, as reported by auto-motor-und-sport.com
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Stella claimed McLaren’s overall performance has been strong and steady over the past few races. This gives them a confidence to fight for the championship against Red Bull, who’s leading the standings. The 53-year-old admitted that before the race he wasn’t sure if they could compete with Red Bull and gain points. Despite this uncertainty, Oscar Piastri managed to secured P2 behind Mercedes and Lando Norris on P5.

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There are many things we could have done better, but the big picture shows a strong and consistent team. If you had asked me before the race, I wouldn't have been sure whether we could even make up any points on Red Bull.
Andrea Stella stated.
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Andrea Stella claims Mclaren is the only team to score points consistently

Andrea Stella explained that both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced problems during the race. Norris had the problem on the first lap itself, with Piastri facing issues during his pitstop. However, Stella noted that it is normal for no team to have a perfect race weekend. Despite these setbacks, he was pleased with the team’s consistent performance and strength. They are the only team that has managed to score consistent points in every race. Therefore, the 53-year-old claimed McLaren as the top contender till now.

Andrea Stella
Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)
Lando had a problem on the first lap and Oscar had a problem during the pit stop. But the reality is that nobody has a perfect weekend. That's impossible. We are happy with our consistency and the robustness of the team. We are the only ones who have always been able to score points.
Andrea Stella explained.

Certainly, Andrea Stella reckoned that with the momentum McLaren has built from their recent victories, they can lead the championship battles in the upcoming races. Fans have been pleased with McLaren’s progress over the last 14 races and are hopeful that the team can secure the title this year.

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