In a significant move, McLaren has secured the services of their impressive team principal, Andrea Stella, with a contract extension that promises continuity and ambition.

Stella, who ascended from McLaren racing director to team principal for the 2023 season, replacing Andreas Seidl, has overseen a remarkable transformation of the team’s fortunes. Under his leadership, McLaren has swiftly climbed the ranks, returning to regular podium finishes in his debut season.

The 2024 season has seen McLaren's resurgence as a race-winning force, rekindling hopes of a title triumph not seen since 2008. The team has solidified this upward trajectory by securing Stella’s commitment through a 'multi-year extension,' reinforcing their long-term stability in the pursuit of World Championships.

Reflecting on the extension, Stella expressed, “It’s a privilege to be part of the McLaren Formula 1 team, and I am honoured to continue in my role as team principal.

“We’ve made great strides forward in the past year and a half, and we still have a lot more work to do to consistently fight at the front of the grid, which poses an exciting challenge.

“Success comes through the team working in synergy, and I am enjoying my role, which has allowed me to help unlock individual talent and empower people to work together towards our team’s objectives.

“My thanks go to Zak [Brown, McLaren Racing CEO] 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.”

Brown added, “I am delighted to confirm we’ve extended Andrea’s contract as our F1 team principal for multiple years.

“His excellent leadership, expertise, and the respect he holds within the team and Formula 1 means we could not have a better person in place to continue the pursuit of consistently fighting at the front of the grid.

“His impact on McLaren F1 in his role as team principal has been profound, not only through our results on track and the trajectory of the team but also in his development of our culture and mindset.

“With multi-year extensions already agreed with Lando [Norris], Oscar [Piastri], and now Andrea, we can confidently continue on our quest to become World Champions. We’re all looking forward to the years to come under Andrea’s leadership.”

McLaren has trimmed Red Bull’s F1 2024 Constructors’ Championship lead to 42 points as they chase their first Constructors’ title since 1998.