P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has expressed that his team will be “hit by reality” should it take for granted that it will be faster in Qatar than F1 title rivals Ferrari.
The Woking-based squad currently leads Ferrari by 24 points as they head into the final two rounds, both teams eager to break their championship drought that dates back to 2008. Ferrari’s strong performance post-autumn break continued at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but Mercedes unexpectedly emerged as the front-runner. McLaren’s struggle in cold conditions allowed Mercedes to secure a 1-2 finish, limiting Ferrari’s points gain. Although McLaren is expected to perform well at the upcoming Lusail International Circuit, Team Principal Stella remains cautious of the fierce competition from Ferrari and other top teams in Formula 1. Stella emphasized the need to maximize the car’s potential and not underestimate the challenges posed by the highly competitive season.
