Andrea Stella’s McLaren 2025 F1 season review highlighted execution failures that prevented an earlier title clinch. Speaking to Sky Sports Italy during the 2025 Caschi d’Oro e Volanti ACI ceremony, the McLaren Team Principal acknowledged the mission of making Formula 1 “boring” was only partially achieved. McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship six rounds before the end, taking it out in Singapore. However, the Drivers’ Championship was fought until the final race with Lando Norris winning by just two points.
Mission to make F1 boring only partially achieved
Stella acknowledged mixed results when assessing McLaren’s 2025 season objectives. The team’s dominance in the Constructors Championship contrasted with the tight Drivers’ title battle.
“The mission of making Formula 1 boring was only partially achieved, we have to acknowledge that. Constructors’ Championship (was won) six races early, however the Drivers’ Championship was fought until the final race and won by only two points,” he stated.
Execution errors delayed championship celebration
Stella identified specific mistakes that defined McLaren’s 2025 season outcome. Internal team execution issues prevented an earlier title clinch for Lando Norris. Plank wear disqualification in Vegas and a shocking strategy call for both drivers in Qatar almost opened the door for Max Verstappen.
“Regarding the Drivers’ Championship we can say for reason internal to the team, regarding the team execution, we could have closed the matter way earlier than the final race.
“But we didn’t execute correctly at Las Vegas, which led to a DSQ, neither in Qatar, which led us to a strategy which made us lose a race [win with Oscar] and a podium with Lando,” Stella stated.
The Las Vegas GP disqualification and Qatar strategy error cost crucial points during McLaren’s 2025 season. Stella emphasized the root cause was execution rather than approach.
“I don’t think really it’s a matter of approach but rather a matter of execution. This for us is the greatest learning experience from this championship.”
McLaren’s 2025 season provided valuable lessons about areas requiring improvement. Stella explained what the championship battle revealed about the team’s development needs.
“It made us understand that as a team we still have to grow, we still have to improve in order to keep being contenders in both championships.”
Norris delivered classic championship
Stella praised Norris’ performance throughout McLaren’s 2025 season despite the team’s errors. The British driver earned his World Champion status through consistent on track performance.
“Lando has earned his status on the grid, he is a very well deserved World Champion. He could have become World Champion even some races earlier if it wasn’t for the team,” he stated.
Stella placed Norris’ title among Formula 1’s greatest championship battles when reflecting on the season. He compared it to historic title fights that ended dominant eras.
“I think he won a championship which will be remembered as a classic of the Formula 1 history, just like the classics which have seen Alonso winning over Schumacher in 2005, Hamilton ending Vettel’s dynasty in 2014, Verstappen in 2021 with Hamilton, and now we have Lando Norris who, with a team approach but a championship earned on track, has ended the Verstappen dynasty.”
