Stella says grid positions curtailed McLaren’s Mexico podium chance

After Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix, Andrea Stella said the race had confirmed McLaren’s potential to finish on the podium. He said the team “paid the price” for both drivers’ grid positions, with technical regulations making overtaking “practically impossible” at the circuit.

Stella said Lando Norris spent much of the afternoon in the slipstream, first behind George Russell and then Charles Leclerc. He joked that Norris could draw the rear of their cars “with his eyes closed.”

Mexico City’s thin air makes cooling and following another car aerodynamically difficult, which gives track position particular value.

Oscar Piastri was recovering through the midfield before contact with Arvid Lindblad halted his progress; the stewards then gave him a time penalty. Stella called it harsh and said it cost McLaren further points.

Stella said McLaren had 17 points to make up in the Constructors’ fight for third. He believed the upgrades due in Brazil, alongside the pace shown in Mexico, gave the team a chance to close the gap.