[Saba Sports News] Amid rumors that McLaren team principal Andrea Stella could return to his former employer Ferrari, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has issued a clear response, dismissing such claims as completely groundless. In his view, these reports are nothing more than an attempt by rival teams to create internal instability.
The speculation is closely linked to Gianpiero Lambiase’s upcoming move to McLaren. As the key figure who has long served as Max Verstappen’s race engineer prepares to join McLaren’s management, outsiders have speculated that the team’s internal power structure may shift, giving rise to rumors of Stella’s departure. Brown struck a firm stance on the matter. He emphasized that Stella has no intention of leaving and remains one of the most pivotal figures within the current team structure. He revealed that the decision to recruit Lambiase was actually led by Stella himself, indicating the two will work in synergy going forward, rather than one replacing the other.
Since taking over in 2023, Andrea Stella has led McLaren to a rapid revival. The team climbed from the lower reaches of the standings into title contention, claimed consecutive constructors’ championships, and helped Lando Norris secure his first drivers’ world title. This period of success has been built on stable leadership within the team’s management.
In my opinion, Andrea Stella acts as the “binding agent” holding the team together. His influence extends far beyond technical and managerial affairs, also covering team culture building. Therefore, neither new arrivals nor organizational restructuring will alter his core position at McLaren.