Andrea Stella Contradicts Lando Norris’ Glorification of McLaren’s Progress to Pass a Stern Reality Check

From looking forward to anything that’s new to using everything that’s new to put the MCL60 on podiums, Lando Norris has completely changed the mood at McLaren in the last five race weekends. The Woking outfit has gone from fighting for points to fighting the top dogs on the grid. In fact, still a little farther from the goal of winning his first race, Norris even got a boost at the Singapore GP with another set of upgrades. The upgrades will shape the future of the car according to the Brit. However, that is not the understanding of the Team Principal, Andrea Stella.

Speaking to the media as seen on X, Norris glorified the upgrades McLaren brought to Singapore. “The upgrade does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Just like the expansion stage in Austria, it worked from the first round. That’s a good sign for next year,” said Norris. However, his team boss is not of the same opinion. 

Speaking to the media, Stella gave a brutal reality check and quashed all the high expectations Norris had set. Stella revealed, “If you look at it as an overall task, we haven’t even sorted out 50 percent of what we set out to do.”

Read More: “Look Forward to Anything That’s New”: Lando Norris Remains Excited for McLaren’s New Plans After Recent Changes Fail To Make an Impact

McLaren started with a backlog, and they’re still catching up. However, the Singapore GP has been positive so far with Norris securing P4, despite the health concerns. In fact, these consistent performances from Norris might become the reason for his separation from McLaren. Although, it won’t be a cakewalk for Red Bull.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown breaks his silence on rumors linking Lando Norris to Red Bull

Norris is undoubtedly the star boy of McLaren and the Woking outfit has always made sure to keep him there with long-term contracts. However, as Norris comes of age and starts realizing his potential, even in not the best car on the grid, what’s stopping him from driving the best car? The McLaren CEO, Zak Brown!

Quashing the rumors, Brown first discredited the rumors as a media circus. “I think everyone else is stirring it. I think everyone has picked up a question he answered and stirred it up a bit but that’s Formula 1,” he said.

However, while talking brass tacks, he said, “He has zero exit clauses. Ultimately, when his contract is next up, if we are not performing and he doesn’t feel he can win races and can compete for the championship, then I think anybody, driver or team member for that matter [would be considering leaving], we are all here to win.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Will Lando Norris Switch Teams From the Miserable McLaren – What are his Options?

What happens beyond 2025? We can’t be sure, but Norris is definitely not going anywhere next year. At least not according to the McLaren CEO.