In a revelation that is set to send shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has openly declared that the Woking-based outfit is now in a position to make a compelling case to triple world champion Max Verstappen.
Stella's comments mark a significant shift in the F1 landscape, suggesting that McLaren's dramatic turnaround in performance has elevated them to a status where they can realistically target the sport's top talent. The Italian stated that while the team is thrilled with its current driver pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the ultimate goal is to provide a car capable of winning championships.
The Verstappen Question
"If you want to be a team that fights for victory, you need to be attractive for drivers that can make the difference," Stella asserted. While emphasising there has been no contact with Verstappen's camp, he laid down a clear marker: McLaren's project is now attractive enough for the very best.
This newfound confidence stems from McLaren's impressive development curve. From a struggling midfield team at the start of 2023, they have consistently challenged the dominance of Red Bull and Ferrari throughout the current season, securing multiple podiums.
Strength in the Current Line-Up
Stella was quick to praise his existing drivers, labelling the duo of Norris and Piastri as "one of the strongest pairings on the grid." He highlighted their complementary skills and the immense potential within the team. However, his overarching point was clear: the performance of the car is the single most important factor in attracting a driver of Verstappen's calibre.
"The first thing you offer is the project," Stella explained. "You offer the car. Then it's down to the driver to decide." This statement is a direct challenge to Red Bull's current supremacy and indicates that McLaren believes they are on the cusp of delivering a championship-contending machine.
A New Player in the Driver Market
This public declaration positions McLaren as a serious new player in the high-stakes F1 driver market. With several top drivers' contracts expiring at the end of 2025, including Verstappen's, Stella's comments signal that McLaren intends to be a major force in those negotiations.
The implication is undeniable: if Red Bull's internal turmoil persists or if another team fails to match their development, McLaren is ready and waiting with a competitive package. For British F1 fans, this bold ambition from a historic team like McLaren promises an electrifying and unpredictable future for the sport.
