McLaren team boss Andrea Stella congratulates Ferrari: heartfelt words for his former team. Andrea Stella playing a crucial role as team principal, ultimately outpacing Ferrari.

McLaren has claimed a championship after 26 years, the last one dating back to 1998. Andrea Stella’s second year as team principal delivered an extraordinary result, all the more surprising given the team’s start to the season.

“I want to congratulate Ferrari; it came down to details. Two teams operated and raced at an incredibly high level. Only one can win, and that’s the harsh reality of sport, but Ferrari also deserved it. The two Ferrari drivers showed outstanding class—they were fantastic. I was right to fear them,” said Andrea Stella.

“This is about investment in people. I’ve been with McLaren for 10 years, investing over the years. I’ve been fortunate; we’ve built a winning mindset and emotional resilience. It’s the result of years of work. Many steps forward have been made. We are a mature group and reached the end with steady nerves.” – the Italian pointed out at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Stella then identified the emblem of the season and briefly discussed his relationship with Zak Brown. “The final pit stop defined the season, the fastest pit stop of the year. That’s the emblem of our growth. Zak Brown complements me; we complement each other perfectly. Our personal qualities allow us to bring out the best in one another, and we have great mutual trust.” – the former Ferrari team member concluded after the race which was held earlier today at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.