McLaren team principal Andrea Stella is full of praise for Lando Norris after his Monaco victory.
The Italian team principal has consistently come to Norris’ defence this season, insisting the British driver would discover his best form.
Following a series of races where Oscar Piastri has enjoyed an edge, the British driver is now just three points behind his teammate.
With Max Verstappen always a threat, McLaren need both drivers firing on all cylinders to claim both titles.
This could be even more prescient if Red Bull manage to unlock more performance with updates in Spain and beyond.
According to Andrea Stella, Norris will go from strength to strength in what remains of the season.
Stella praises Norris for Monaco performance
Momentum is a powerful force in Formula 1, and has already swung in multiple directions this season.
After a convincing win in Australia, Norris suffered a difficult run of form that saw teammate Oscar Piastri take the initiative in the Championship.
In combination with Max Verstappen dragging his RB21 to the top step of the podium, the British driver found himself in a difficult position before the Imola GP.
Since then, Norris has finished 2nd and 1st – undoing much of the damage from before the triple-header.
Even at the height of Norris’ frustrations with the MCL39, team principal Andrea Stella was unwavering in his support.
Stella argued it was a matter of when, not if, the 25-year-old understood how to adapt to this year’s challenger.
Whilst there is still a long Championship ahead, it seems safe to say the British driver is now in a stronger patch.
The McLaren team principal has praised Norris for his composure throughout the Monaco GP weekend.
“I think Lando kept the high standards, the quality of execution and the lucidity that he has had throughout the weekend, I have to say.
“He was faster from lap 1 in FP2 and kept building, to capitalise on Pole Position.
“And today, he went through various situation which required cold blood, I would say.
“So I really think that Lando deserves to be praised for a very, very well managed and executed weekend.
“And I think this is just the start of many more coming in the future.”
A three-way battle for the Championship
With the exception of last weekend in Monaco, Ferrari and Mercedes have lacked the pace to challenge for victory in 2025.
In the absence of wet conditions or surprise incidents, McLaren and Red Bull have been this year’s contenders.
This delicate balance, however, could change over the coming months.
Even excluding the incoming technical directive, both teams have committed to developing their cars throughout the year.
Despite the 2026 regulations inching ever closer, McLaren and Red Bull are not willing to compromise a potential title this year for a completely unknown set of rules next season.
This was actually Red Bull’s approach in 2021, with the Milton Keynes factory willing to delay 2022 development to continue bringing updated to the RB16B.
For different reasons, securing a world title this season is essential for both our protagonists.
As a result, even in the final months of the year, there could be twists and turns in F1’s development race.
Main photo: Peter Fox/LAT Images (via McLaren media gallery)
