Breaking: McLaren Chief Andrea Stella Explains Crucial Norris-Piastri D…read more
McLaren Chief Andrea Stella Explains Crucial Norris-Piastri Decision at Imola GP
In the aftermath of a dramatic 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has shed light on the team’s much-debated strategy decision involving drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Despite starting on pole, Piastri was overtaken by Max Verstappen in Turn 2 of the opening lap, a move that ultimately proved decisive. The Red Bull driver controlled the race from the front, while McLaren found themselves in a tactical battle to maximize their finishing positions.
Piastri was brought in early for a pit stop, rejoining in traffic and sacrificing track position. Later in the race, teammate Lando Norris, who had remained out longer and benefited from fresher tyres, closed in on Piastri. Calls emerged on team radio suggesting Norris should be allowed through, but McLaren opted against team orders, leaving the Briton to make a pass on merit—one that ultimately did not materialize.
Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve and other pundits questioned the decision, suggesting Norris could have challenged Verstappen if he had been allowed to pass earlier. However, Stella defended the call, stating that Verstappen’s pace was simply unmatchable.
“We attempted to unlock various scenarios to try and beat Max, but at no stage did we see enough race pace to truly challenge,” Stella said. “Even after the final safety car, when Lando was behind Oscar on fresh tyres, Max was still able to respond. Around Imola, you need at least seven or eight-tenths advantage per lap to overtake.”
Stella also addressed questions around the timing of Piastri’s stop, admitting it was a gamble based on tyre feedback at the time.
“Oscar’s tyres were degrading significantly and he was feeding that back. We felt an early stop was necessary,” he explained. “There was some uncertainty heading into the race about whether it would be a one or two-stop strategy. In hindsight, the hard tyres didn’t perform as well as hoped.”
Despite the internal debate and criticism from some quarters, Stella remained resolute that McLaren had no regrets about their strategy.
“We needed to deviate from the standard approach to create a chance of beating Max. Sometimes, when you take risks to win, there can be a downside. But we stand by the decisions we made.”
Ultimately, Norris and Piastri finished second and third respectively, delivering a double podium for McLaren—but the lingering question remains: could more have been possible with a different call?
