Formula 1: Stella says McLaren have ‘taken action’ after ‘one of the most difficult’ Vegas races in 2024
McLaren’s chief, Andrea Stella, says the team has made sweeping changes after a tough Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The race, held on the Strip Circuit, was one of the most challenging weekends of McLaren’s 2024 season. Mercedes took a clean 1‑2 finish, while McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ended the race in sixth and seventh place, far from the pace the team had shown in the latter part of the year.
“We had a very difficult race in Vegas,” Stella told reporters. “Tyres were a big issue. In qualifying we weren’t fast at all, and during the race the tyre behaviour was poor, and we saw a lot of graining.”
Tyre problems were only the first hurdle. Stella said aerodynamic limits and a car set‑up that tried to compensate for tyre issues also held the team back. “When we cut the rear wing to offload it, we lost too much efficiency. We also had set‑up challenges that caused understeer and couldn’t fully address the graining problem.”
The full review of the weekend gave McLaren a clear roadmap for 2025. “We now know exactly in which direction we need to change from last year, whether it’s tyre strategy, aerodynamic efficiency or car set‑up,” Stella added. He warned, however, that only on‑track results will confirm the fixes.
“We’re optimistic, but we’ll only see if they work in Vegas next year,” he said.
McLaren’s adjustments come as the 2024 Drivers’ Championship heats up. The race in Las Vegas could be pivotal for Norris, Piastri and Max Verstappen, all of whom jostle for the top spot. With new tyre plans, improved aerodynamics, and a refreshed car set‑up, McLaren hopes to return to the Strip Circuit in full stride and compete for points in the tight F1 season.
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