Andrea Stella Vows to Fix McLaren’s Rear Tyre Woes After Zandvoort Sprint
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix Sprint race provided McLaren with a glaring technical headache, and Team Principal Andrea Stella is already zeroing in on the culprits. While Ferrari and Charles Leclerc successfully gambled on the soft compound, both Lando Norris…
At the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix Sprint, McLaren faced a significant technical challenge as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled with severe rear tyre degradation on standard medium rubber. Team Principal Andrea Stella admitted that while the team initially chose the right tyre compound, the real issue likely lies deeper within their execution.
Stella stated, "When it comes to ourselves, I think the used medium was the right tyre like majority, and I think it was definitely the tyre to be." He emphasized that the team needs to investigate various factors, including car set-up and driving style, to optimize performance. Early warning signs of the degradation were evident during the Sprint, with Norris reporting difficult rear tyres mid-race.
Stella noted that the team has been comfortable with new tyres and qualifying pace, but addressing long-run degradation is now a top priority heading into the main event. The team's goal is to improve before the Grand Prix on Sunday.
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