Stella: I want to build the strongest team.

      According to Laurent Mekies, his conversations with Gianpiero Lambiase suggest that the experienced engineer is moving from Red Bull Racing to McLaren with the prospect of leading the team in the future.

      Lambiase, who is commonly referred to as "GP" in the paddock, will join McLaren no earlier than 2028 and will take on the role of chief racing director. However, Mekies is confident that a leadership role has been promised to Gianpiero at the Woking team.

      “Listen, personally I understand it this way: 'GP' is going to McLaren to lead the team,” said the head of Red Bull Racing at a press conference in Montreal. “I have already mentioned this. Of course, we had several conversations before he made his decision. But don’t ask me if this will actually happen, and the timing is not my concern. I can only convey the content of our discussions.”

      Since Andrea Stella, the current head of McLaren, also participated in this press conference, he naturally reacted to Mekies' remark in his own way:

      “For us, it is important to invite the best, most talented Formula 1 specialists, as together with Zak Brown, I want to build the strongest team not only of our time but one that can be compared to the strong teams of the past.

      I worked at Ferrari in the early 2000s and know what level of experience, knowledge, and leadership skills are required to achieve success now and in the future. Inviting 'GP' is part of this vision, which is to create a strong leadership team that will include the current management, and this will make McLaren even stronger.

      I really wanted him to join us. Personally, I am very busy in my role as team principal, and I need a strong group of leaders working alongside me. Overall, I believe we have a clear plan in place. All other speculations will inevitably bring us back to discussing rumors.”

      In this context, Stella continued his thoughts, also mentioning Oscar Piastri, as there are already rumors that the Australian could move to Red Bull if Max Verstappen decides to leave that team:

      “I think the rumor season is already in full swing. Speaking of Oscar, we are more than satisfied with him. I believe he is in the best shape now and is happy, and even outside the cockpit, Oscar is also showing his best side. He has a great relationship with Lando Norris, and I believe the team is currently at the highest level during my tenure.

      Definitely, we are focused on achieving maximum stability. And as for me, I am certainly fully committed to McLaren. I am also proud that during my time leading the team, our special display at the McLaren Technology Center has been filled with new trophies, and we even had to add a new section to this display.

      So I have a clear goal: in the coming years, we must fill this new section with trophies as well. And speaking of 'GP', we want to gather the best, most experienced leaders at McLaren. And the fact that Gianpiero decided to move to McLaren, in my opinion, only indicates that our team inspires confidence.”