McLaren Responds to Las Vegas DSQs: Anomaly, Not Performance Chase
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella clarified that the double disqualification in Las Vegas was caused by a car anomaly specific to the circuit's conditions, not an aggressive performance strategy. Stella is confident the issue won't recur, emphasizing the team's ongoing learning and robust setup processes as they continue their championship chase.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella described the double disqualification at the Las Vegas GP as an 'anomaly,' asserting that the incident was not a result of an aggressive pursuit of performance but rather specific conditions encountered at the circuit. Stella is confident that the team has identified the root cause and will not repeat the issue in upcoming races, including at Lusail.
Why it matters:
McLaren's disqualification in Las Vegas, while a setback, has significant implications for their championship aspirations. Maintaining car reliability while pushing performance limits is crucial, especially as they battle for constructor and driver standings. Stella's explanation aims to reassure fans and stakeholders that the team's fundamental approach remains sound, despite the unusual incident.
The Details:
- Anomaly, Not Performance Overreach: Andrea Stella explicitly stated that the disqualification was due to an "anomaly in the behaviour of the car" and not an "excessive or unreasonable chase of performance." This clarifies that the team isn't sacrificing reliability for speed as a standard practice.
- Specific Las Vegas Conditions: The issue, which led to "porpoising and excess of grounding," was attributed to the "very specific to the operating window of the car in Vegas and the circuit characteristics." This suggests the problem was localized rather than systemic.
- Established Setup Process: Stella expressed confidence in McLaren's "well-established and consolidated way of setting up the car" to ensure optimal performance and reliability for future races, starting with the Lusail International Circuit.
- Learning Opportunity: Despite the setback, McLaren views the incident as a learning experience, providing "useful information about the operating window of the car and the porpoising regime" that will be integrated into their approach.
The Big Picture:
McLaren's performance trajectory has been strong, with Stella emphasizing that their "strong focus on performance has brought us to where we are today, namely winning two consecutive Constructors' titles and having two drivers at the top of the championship with two races to go." This suggests that the team's core philosophy will not shift dramatically despite the Las Vegas incident.
What's next:
McLaren will apply the lessons learned from Las Vegas as they head into the final races of the season, aiming to maintain their competitive edge. The team's immediate focus is on optimizing car setup for the Lusail International Circuit, with Stella confident that the anomaly will not recur. The championship battle remains tight, with Max Verstappen closing the gap significantly, now level on points with Oscar Piastri and trailing Lando Norris by 24 points.