McLaren Prioritizes Pit Stop Improvements After Critical Errors

McLaren Focused on Improving Pit Stops

The McLaren team has focused on pit stops as a crucial area for improvement, after experiencing delays in tire changes that affected Lando Norris in the last two Grand Prix. In the Italian Grand Prix, a slow change on the front left tire generated a complicated situation with team orders, where Norris lost a position in the pits to Oscar Piastri, although it was later returned to him. Subsequently, at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Norris suffered another slow pit stop due to a problem with the front right wheel nut, potentially costing him two positions and four points in the championship.

Definitely, in terms of pit stops, that is an area where we have already focused our efforts,” said Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal, after the race.

Andrea Stella

Stella also added:

We need to keep working because there is significant performance available through pit stops.

Andrea Stella

Additionally, Stella explained that the execution of the stop itself and the equipment used are areas for improvement for the team. The importance of smoother and more natural pit stops for the team was also highlighted.

McLaren believes its pit stops can improve.Stella confirmed that the problems in Monza and Baku were not related, but highlighted the general need for McLaren to raise its game. Regarding the team, Stella said:

We know there is room for improvement in terms of equipment and the car’s side, so that we can make life a little easier for our pit crew.

Andrea Stella