Andrea Stella wants to free up time for the drivers during the upcoming Grand Prix in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Grand Prix started with the presentation ceremony of the drivers and teams, and ended with a long podium ceremony where Max Verstappen, the winner, Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez, second and third place finishers, had to go to the Bellagio hotel in Rolls-Royces before returning to the circuit for the podium ceremony. This abundance of spectacle had been criticized by Max Verstappen before the weekend in the Nevada city. The three-time world champion had stated that the Grand Prix in Las Vegas represented 99% show and 1% race.

Andrea Stella, the executive director of McLaren, has suggested less showtime for the drivers. He fears that it will affect their fatigue. What I can say is that it was a stretch, it was pushed to the limit, in terms of spectacle, entertainment, and showmanship. I think it’s good to some extent because I’m sure it was appreciated. But we have to ask ourselves if it’s not going a bit too far, questions Andrea Stella.

« It is very difficult for everyone »

The last Grand Prix of the season, in Abu Dhabi, takes place this weekend, one week after the one in Las Vegas. According to Stella: « the schedule is very challenging. It’s very difficult for the staff, and it’s very difficult for everyone, so ideally, it’s also a matter that can be examined », suggests the Italian.

« We definitely support 100% the idea of involving the drivers because the drivers are the driving force behind the popularity and success of the sport. But at the same time, what I have seen is that it has been a very busy weekend for the drivers as well. So we have to see if it’s the right compromise between keeping the drivers focused on the fact that they have to go racing, and also, let’s say, supporting the show. There are definitely some points that deserve to be taken into consideration. But even though certain aspects of the weekend can be improved, Stella believes that the track layout itself has been a success as it has contributed to promoting good races », continues McLaren’s executive director.

The layout of the track is such that it certainly favors a good race. I was expecting us to not have a good race solely because the tires were behaving in a particular way. I think it’s the track layout that has helped. But the tarmac, if we want to race at night, is too slippery. We’ve had accidents. We had a pretty busy turn after the start, so we could have a situation like in Australia. So we should avoid having this problem. We shouldn’t wait for them to occur, concludes Andrea Stella.