McLaren boss delivers robust statement over wild exit rumour

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted he has no desire to leave the team for a new challenge amid speculation surrounding his future.

Stella has held a senior leadership role at McLaren for several years and has played a key part in the team's return to championship-winning form.

However, in recent months, reports have linked the Italian with a potential move to Ferrari in a senior position.

He is not the only McLaren figure to have been linked with a departure, with Oscar Piastri also emerging as a potential target for Red Bull should Max Verstappen decide to leave.

Stella, however, dismissed the speculation surrounding Piastri as nothing more than unfounded rumours.

“You mentioned the silly season, and I think we are already fully in this silly season,” Stella told media including RacingNews365. 

“When we think about Oscar, we couldn’t be happier. I think we are seeing the best Oscar in the cockpit and also a happy Oscar, and the best version of himself outside the cockpit. 

“Great dynamics and relationship with Lando, and I think the team is in its strongest shape since I’ve been team principal. 

“So definitely it’s very clear, the direction for maximum stability at McLaren.”

Since Stella’s appointment as team principal in 2023, McLaren has secured two constructors’ championships and a drivers’ title with Lando Norris in 2025.

The Italian stated that his primary focus is on adding more silverware to McLaren’s shelves in the years ahead.

“When it comes to myself, I’m definitely fully committed to McLaren,” he said.

“One of the things that makes me more proud of my experience as a team principal is that we managed to fill the cabinet at MTC with trophies, and this meant that we needed to create another area of the cabinet, a new one. 

“And for me the mission is very clear: we need to fill that new area of the cabinet for the years to come at McLaren.”