McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella remained calm and composed as he analysed the key strategic moments of the F1 Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying, including the tow Yuki Tsunoda provided team mate Max Verstappen in Q3 and the implications for Sunday’s race.
With one McLaren on the front row and another on the second, Stella believes the team can fight for victory, confident that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have the pace and strategy to pressure Verstappen on track.
Stella not surprised by Red Bull using teamwork in Q3
When asked whether Red Bull’s use of Tsunoda to tow Verstappen in Q3 surprised him, or whether such teamwork could pose a threat in the race, Stella dismissed any notion of unfair advantage or unexpected tactics.
“Not necessarily surprised that Red Bull may play as a team. You know, it’s within their possibilities. I don’t think this is unfair,” he said. “You gain a bit of performance just by having a slipstream.
Stella noted that Verstappen’s pole lap ultimately wasn’t dependent on Tsunoda’s tow.
“So, and in fact, I think if I’m not wrong, actually the pole position lap is the lap after.” He said, “So Max did it even without the tow. So fair game to Max. I think he was the fastest car today and he deserved the pole position and he got it. We are still in a good position for the race. So all still in our hands.”
Norris to approach Turn 1 with caution
Starting P2 on the inside of Turn 1, Norris faces a crucial opening lap. Stella expects him to push hard but stay smart, aware that the first corner could shape the race.
“I think from Lando’s point of view, considering the inside in corner one in Abu Dhabi, I think he will just be relatively prudent.” He explained, “He’s one of those where from the inside not necessarily you get the better exit, the car on the outside can close, so I think there will be some prudency, which is I think what I would recommend.“
He added that this calculated approach suits Norris’ strong position and the race outlook. With the championship at stake, Norris can clinch the Drivers’ title with a podium finish, while Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium to keep the fight alive.
“Certainly Lando is in a very strong position from this point of view. So I think that’s the approach.“
Stella also remained relaxed about Verstappen potentially using “every trick in the book” to influence the pack behind him. He expressed no concern over any tactics the Red Bull driver might attempt.
“In terms of the options that Max has available to try and play his cards, honestly, I’m not too worried. I think we will see some interesting racing, but I’m sure all this will happen within the boundaries of sportsmanship and fairness.”
Two McLarens behind Verstappen a strategic advantage?
Should Verstappen attempt to slow down the pack and bunch the field up behind him—as many expect—Stella believes that having two McLarens directly behind the Red Bull is a clear strategic advantage heading into the race.
“I think it’s an advantage. We have more options to play,” he said. “At some stage if you slow down too much, you may be susceptible to being attacked with undercuts.”
He warned that Verstappen could inadvertently expose himself if he tries to control the pace and said he would much rather have both cars running together than spread out.
“You may expose yourself in terms of being overtaken. So I think definitely it’s good that we are there with two cars. So no, that’s the position I would take rather than having the two cars split and separated on track.”
