P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Andrea Stella says McLaren’s race pace in testing is “encouraging” but believes the outright speed in other cars could mean six teams battling at the front this season. Carlos Sainz set the pace fo…
Andrea Stella from McLaren finds the team’s race pace in testing “encouraging”, but acknowledges that the speed in other cars might lead to six teams competing at the front this season. Carlos Sainz impressed while testing for Williams, showing potential with lower fuel and competitive lap times. McLaren did not focus on low fuel laps, but Lando Norris seemed strong in race simulations compared to Ferrari and Mercedes. Stella highlights the team’s focus on data comparison, aerodynamics, mechanical aspects, and innovative changes to the car’s layout. He suggests the possibility of redefining the top teams in Formula 1, possibly expanding to a top five or top six, considering the competitive field observed so far. Stella also emphasizes the need for caution when interpreting the testing data due to unique conditions and the upcoming different stress on tires and car interaction during the actual races.
