Andrea Stella Dismisses Oscar Piastri Red Bull Rumours
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella addressed the latest wave of Formula 1 speculation by denying that Oscar Piastri is destined for a move to Red Bull. Reports had recently suggested the Australian could switch camps if Max Verstappen decided to leave but Stella insists McLaren is perfectly content with its current driver pairing.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Stella brushed off the reports as typical paddock gossip. He emphasised that Piastri is currently performing at his absolute best and remains tied to a multi-year deal that keeps him at the Woking-based outfit until at least the end of 2027.
«When we think about Oscar, we couldn’t be happier,» Stella remarked.
He highlighted the excellent dynamic between Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris, adding that the team is currently in its strongest shape since he took charge. According to the team boss, the clear objective for McLaren moving forward is to maintain maximum stability.
A firm commitment to Woking
Stella also took the opportunity to quash rumours regarding his own future. Following whispers linking him to a potential role at Ferrari, the Italian reaffirmed his total dedication to the papaya team.
He expressed immense pride in the squad’s recent string of successes which have notably forced the construction of a brand-new trophy cabinet at the McLaren Technology Centre. Rather than looking for an exit, Stella stated that his primary mission is to fill this newly built display area with silverware over the coming years.
Lambiase’s arrival and leadership structure
The conversation inevitably shifted to the highly anticipated arrival of Gianpiero Lambiase. The renowned engineer is slated to join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer when his current Red Bull contract concludes in 2028. However, recent comments from RB boss Laurent Mekies suggested that Lambiase might actually be stepping into the Team Principal role.
Stella was quick to clarify the situation. He explained that recruiting top-tier talent like Lambiase is simply part of a broader vision to build an unbeatable leadership structure. Drawing on his experience with Ferrari’s dominant era in the early 2000s, Stella noted that achieving sustained success requires a deep pool of expertise and high-level seniority.
Acknowledging that he is currently stretched thin by the demands of his job, Stella stated that Lambiase will provide crucial additive leadership to integrate with the existing management team. Any suggestions of Lambiase taking over the Team Principal position were swiftly dismissed as just another wild product of the Formula 1 silly season.
