McLaren make 'commitment' to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

McLaren boss Andrea Stella has said the Woking-based squad is "committed" to providing both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri the tools required to get the most out of the MCL40.

Heading into the new season defending F1 both titles, after Lando Norris won his maiden drivers' championship, McLaren has a target on its back.

The Woking-based squad has maintained throughout the pre-season period that it is no longer at the helm of the pecking order.

However, Stella insisted there are significant positives to take from the test findings.

"We're encouraged by the MCL40's reliability and the extensiveness of learning we have achieved with every lap completed,” he said.

"We have successfully signed off our test items and the core functionality and reliability of the car while enabling long runs and systematic familiarisation of setup, aerodynamics, and tyres, as well as power unit maximisation.

"Each day, we have been able to add more performance, which is pleasing to see, and we now have a clear handle on the car's potential as we enter the new era of Formula 1."

The cars are being driven in a considerably different fashion from their predecessors due to the extensive power unit changes this year.

As the team explores how to extract as much potential as possible from the engine, Stella has vowed it will keep configuring procedures to deliver its drivers all the available pace.

"One area that continues to be highlighted is that the driver's role this season under the new regulation is even more challenging, and we're committed to giving Lando and Oscar the tools to extract the maximum performance,” he said.

"We acknowledge that they will be busier managing the power unit without compromising lap time or race craft, and we'll continue to work closely with HPP to build further understanding and tools for the management of engine control and exploitation, who have done a good job so far.”