Great news has slipped out of the Woking Headquarters! In light of McLaren‘s exponential growth under Andrea Stella’s leadership, the team has decided to extend his stay. However, this plan wouldn’t have been successful if Stella had disagreed. Luckily, that mishap did not happen. Standing on a common platform both parties agreed to continue their journeys together. Zak Brown is a happy man right now. He has a reason less to ponder upon after all!

Zak Brown shares a good relationship with Andrea Stella. All the major promotions that Stella got within the team were under Brown’s leadership. This shows, how much the CEO keeps his faith in the now-team principal of McLaren. So, without any dilly dally, Zak Brown shared an endearing declaration via his X handle. He wrote: “Delighted to share that our Formula 1 Team Principal, Andrea Stella, will be staying with the team for the long-term.” However, Brown, of course, did not stop there.

“His [Andrea Stella’s] leadership, expertise and the respect he holds within the team and the sport means we couldn’t have a better person at the helm of our Formula 1 Team as we fight for World Championships. The entire team are looking forward to the years to come under Andrea’s leadership.” Brown’s train of compliments hasn’t left the track since day one. And now with an extended contract, this duo can coordinate their plans and take the team to greater heights.

Stella’s contribution to McLaren’s growth has been profound. So, if Zak replaced him at the end of the ongoing season, it would’ve been surprising. However, this multi-year contract was somewhat foreseen by many. The team is not yet ready to move out of Andrea Stella‘s progressive shadow. He is like the binding piece of the once-incomplete jigsaw puzzle named McLaren.

Team principal Andrea Stella thanks Zak Brown for his confidence in him

Stella has been with McLaren since 2015. He worked as Head of Race Operations and Performance Director before earning a promotion to Executive Director of Racing in 2019. His promotion came a year after Zak Brown joined as the CEO of the company. Then in 2022, he became the team principal. Taking the role of the most important person behind the drivers during the races. Since then the team has progressed rapidly – earning two Grand Prix wins, 18 further podiums, and a Sprint victory.

“It’s a privilege to be part of the McLaren Formula 1 team, and I am honored to continue in my role as Team Principal,” said Andrea Stella, then thanking Zak Brown for keeping his faith in the Italian’s work as he said, “My thanks go to Zak for his confidence in me as a leader, to my entire leadership team and all my colleagues in the Team, for their continued collaboration and support. I am excited for what we can continue to achieve together.” Within the last year, Andrea Stella’s contract extension marks the third major extension after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The team is focusing on stability in their quest to return to a first World Championship since 2008.

McLaren is chasing the biggest dream in F1 – the drivers and constructors titles. And in this journey, a trusted individual like Andrea Stella is bound to play a key role. Meanwhile, Zak Brown’s unwavering faith in his team and leadership is the engine that’s pushing the Papaya gang to bring out the best in them. Did McLaren make the right decision by keeping Andrea Stella? What do you think  Let us know below.