Stella issues McLaren warning in Red Bull title fight

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has called on his team to continue its car development as it seeks to remain at the head of the F1 pecking order.

The Woking-based squad recently took over the lead of the constructors' championship by moving ahead of reigning title-holders Red Bull.

Lando Norris is also hunting Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship and is looking to overturn a 52-point margin in the final six rounds of the campaign.

McLaren has enjoyed a strong run of development across the last 18 months - but despite placing itself into a title-winning position, Stella has warned his squad against becoming complacent.

“It doesn't change our attitude,” Stella told the Box Box Box podcast. “We are people with feet on the ground.

“We will keep our feet on the ground and try and actually add more and more speed to the car because we want to stay in this privileged position.

“But if we don't improve, the others are going to pass us.”

Stella hails McLaren 'special moment'

McLaren commenced the 2023 F1 season towards the back of the grid but has since developed its way to the front of the field.

Should it prevail in the title fight this year, it would mark its first constructors' victory in 26 seasons.

“It’s definitely a special moment,” Stella added. “The right world is special. 

“I would say 12 months ago I would have never thought I would be talking about championships. But it's just the result of the work of a very strong team. 

“All the McLaren team have done incredibly hard work, high quality, which gave the speed in the car to then be able to compete for podiums from victories.

“Then over the course of a season, this puts the team in a position to think about championships, which is special. It’s a great feeling.”