Stella criticizes Verstappen regarding his comments about Red Bull.

      "I’m curious about the thoughts of the Red Bull employees."

      With only a single point separating Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the world championship, the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull is intensifying. Recently, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko ignited controversy by claiming that McLaren backed the wrong driver—Norris—during the Suzuka race, when Oscar Piastri requested to be allowed to overtake and chase Verstappen. Marko believes Piastri, who was on pole in Bahrain, is faster in races and possesses more mental strength than Norris.

      "But we know that," Marko remarked when challenged about the dispute by Osterreich newspaper. "It’s nothing new."

      Tensions are escalating between the two teams amidst allegations that McLaren's wings are flexing illegally, while Andrea Stella voiced his discontent regarding Verstappen’s current complaints about the issues with the 2025 Red Bull.

      "I wonder how the Red Bull employees feel when they hear their own driver speak about the car they constructed," the McLaren team principal commented to Sky Italia.

      "A driver should serve as the ambassador for a team's values," Stella continued. "So, first and foremost, a bit of solidarity towards the Red Bull staff is in order."

      "However, we understand that Max not only excels in the car but is also very adept in political maneuvering and communication. He knows precisely how to provoke reactions."

      Stella contends that McLaren's management and drivers conduct themselves more fairly than those at Red Bull.

      "We are grounded individuals," the Italian stated. "We remain quite calm. We won’t take the bait."