McLaren eye pit stops as area of improvement – Andrea Stella

Mclaren Target Pit Stop Improvements After Recent Setbacks

McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, has identified pit stops as a crucial area for enhancement following a series of slow tyre changes that adversely affected Lando Norris in the last two Grands Prix. The performances, particularly during the Italian Grand Prix and Azerbaijan, spotlight the team’s urgency to refine their operations as they push for greater competitiveness in the championship.

Slow Pit Stops: A Major Concern

Recent races have exposed significant weaknesses in McLaren’s pit stop strategy. A sluggish front-left tyre change during the Italian Grand Prix led to a controversial moment when Norris lost his position to teammate Oscar Piastri, only to be reinstated later. Additionally, an issue with a front-right wheel nut at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix potentially cost Norris two positions and crucial championship points.

Andrea Stella’s Assessment

Following the Azerbaijan race, Andrea Stella emphasised the importance of prompt pit stops. “We need to concentrate our efforts because there’s crucial performance to be gained,” he noted. “As racing becomes ever more competitive, the impact of pit stops cannot be underestimated.”

Focus on Hardware and Execution

Stella revealed that improvements in both execution and hardware are necessary to streamline the pit stop process. “There’s still some interactions between the operator and the hardware that should be improved,” he explained. “We need to optimize our equipment to facilitate easier operations for our crew.”

Championship Implications

With just 25 points separating Norris and Piastri in a fiercely contested driver standings, any inefficiencies in the pits could prove costly. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s consecutive victories put him firmly in the title conversation, raising the stakes for McLaren as they strive to reclaim their footing in the championship race.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, McLaren’s focus on improving pit stops could become a decisive factor in their pursuit of success. Addressing these operational challenges will be vital not only for the remainder of the season but also as they prepare for next year’s challenges on the track.