McLaren Team Principal Andreas Stella has revealed that the team would have been in an "uncomfortable position" if they did not score points in the opening races of the 2023 Formula 1 season. The team only recently scored points at the Australian Grand Prix when Oscar Piastri managed to earn points on his home race debut in P8, while Lando Norris finished P6 for eight points. It has been a troubled start after they failed to meet their targets in the off-season, which led to the departure of Technical Director James Key. Stella has noted that their points scored in Australia will be important in their ambitions to match last years position in the Constructors' Championship. "It's important because it was an uncomfortable position to have not scored points," said Stella to media, including RacingNews365.com . "Ultimately P5 at least is what we are racing for the season."
Stella: If we don't improve the car, we won't get P5
Chief Executive Officer, Zak Brown, has said there are "no miracles" when it comes to changing their fortunes , but the team is targeting upgrades to address their straight-line deficit. Stella hopes the recent points will act as encouragement at the team, as they look to close the gap to midfield rivals. "At the same time, we don't care either way, we know that we score the 12 points in particular circumstances. And if we don't improve the car, we are not going to stay P5," he explained. "I would like to say that this result will have to be converted by the 700 people that work trackside and in Woking into the even more energy [needed] to develop the car and score regularly."
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