McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that being able to “outdevelop” the opponents in 2024 is the team’s objective in an attempt to claim at least P3 in the standings.
McLaren started the current season in better shape compared to 2023. Last year, they struggled until summer, when they were finally able to bring major upgrades that turned the British outfit’s season around.
In 2024, McLaren seems to be the third-fastest team on the grid, right behind Ferrari and Red Bull. The main goal is to try to close the gap even more, or at least maintain the position McLaren finds itself in.
“But last year we were able to outdevelop our competitors, in a season we brought more lap time than competitors. So for us, this remains the objective.
“As long as we see that what we plan to bring trackside actually materializes, then we are happy because we know that we are in our trajectory, which we think is a strong trajectory.”
However, Stella didn’t hide the fact that McLaren might also try to outperform Ferrari on some tracks in which the gap could be smaller.
“I think looking at the facts, looking at the numbers, if we could retain third position in the championship, just establishing McLaren as the third best car, that will be a strong result for our team,” he said.
“At the same time, there are some circuits in which we look like we can compete with Ferrari. So then we say: ‘Why not?’
“But in fairness, in Formula 1, it’s not about wishing to ‘I would like [to be in such position]’, you just push as hard as possible.
“You just try to develop your car as much as possible, maximize the race weekends as much as possible, and then you try and see at the end where you are.”
Finally, Stella also added that McLaren plans on bringing “some developments” after the Miami GP to further improve the MCL38.
“After Miami, when we introduce some developments, we will have further information to see what we can compete for.”