Andrea Stella says Las Vegas updates will build foundation for 2027 car

McLaren boss Andrea Stella says Las Vegas Grand Prix updates will complement the team’s Sao Paulo package and provide the "foundation" for its 2027 Formula 1 car. The outgoing constructors’ champions sit fourth in the standings while fighting Red Bull for third. Lando Norris won at Interlagos, which signaled a recovery after the team regained winning pace with victories in Hungary and the Netherlands earlier this year, only to slip back again once rival developments arrived.

Development trajectory

The team introduced a redesigned front wing, new rear and beam wings and floor revisions in Brazil. Stella expects the front-wing concept to carry over to next season. He says these upgrades will be complemented by more parts arriving in Las Vegas. "And these upgrades, first of all, will be complemented by some more parts that will come in Las Vegas, and they form the foundation for what will be next year’s car," Stella told media.

I find the team’s struggle against rivals blunt. After the Hungary upgrades, McLaren held a winning position, but Stella admits the team lost that position because other teams took upgrades. He also notes that poor qualifying sessions hurt the team, stating it would have been interesting to see Lando starting from the front in races like Austin or Mexico.

Race execution

The team faces a busy end to the season:

Stella says it is encouraging that McLaren can turn development into performance on track. He also praises the pit crew for solid pit stops after a disappointing race in Canada where the team started on intermediate tyres following a double, extra formation lap.