Andrea Stella wants McLaren to achieve a strong Las Vegas Grand Prix and finally make “peace” with a circuit that has repeatedly troubled the team. Lando Norris took his third victory of the season in Brazil and Oscar Piastri also showed improved pace, but the team principal highlighted different demands at the next round in an interview published on November 11.
Similar cold, different straight-line demands
Cool, wet conditions in Brazil helped McLaren control tyre temperatures. Las Vegas also runs in low evening temperatures, but its long straights place particular importance on maximum speed.
Stella cited Monza and Baku as examples of circuits where a need for high top speed has not necessarily suited McLaren. He linked part of that difficulty to gear ratios that are less than ideal above a certain level of maximum speed.
Nevertheless, he believes the current car is faster. Upgrades have continued since the summer, with Brazil’s new front wing intended to make the car more predictable. Further components will join the package in Las Vegas and form a foundation for next year’s car.
Last year’s pace ended in a skid-wear problem
Norris and Piastri originally crossed the line second and fourth in the 2025 Las Vegas race, before both were disqualified for excessive wear on the skid blocks beneath the floor. Stella recalled a rare strong race there that ended without a result because of that problem.
He described Las Vegas as possibly the most difficult event on the calendar for McLaren and said he wanted a good result this time.
After Brazil, McLaren is fourth in the constructors’ standings on 398 points, 17 behind Red Bull’s 415 with three races remaining.
