McLaren reveal 'unnatural' concern ahead of Spanish GP challenge

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has highlighted how the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, home of the Spanish Grand Prix, does not suit the Woking squad's car.

The Italian explained how the high-speed layout of the track does not "naturally suit the characteristics of the MCL39", something he believes will set up rival F1 teams to challenge the McLaren's dominance there.

Heading into the weekend in Spain, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris lead the F1 drivers' championship.

After the latter's victory in Monaco, the team-mates are separated by just three points, with Max Verstappen a further 22 back in third.

McLaren holds a significant advantage in the constructors' standings, 172 clear of Mercedes. Red Bull and Ferrari are another four and five points adrift, respectively, in third and fourth.

However, with the new front wing technical directive, part of the FIA's flexi-wing clampdown, coming into force, there is substantial intrigue surrounding whether the reigning champions could be negatively effected by the changes.

Although, Stella has maintained throughout the year he does not expect it to alter the pecking order or disadvantage his team's car.

"We head to the Spanish Grand Prix encouraged by our result in Monaco," the 54-year-old said.

"The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offers a very different challenge however, with many high-speed corners which will not naturally suit the characteristics of the MCL39.

"With this also comes the expectation to see many challenges from the rest of the grid and close battles at the front."