Stella gives his take on Piastri's 'cheeky' comment and how McLaren will manage intra-team fight going forward

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has addressed Oscar Piastri's 'cheeky' comment over team radio during Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying, after Lando Norris gained an unexpected tow from his teammate. The incident occurred in Q3, where Piastri initially set the pace, only for Norris to go faster by utilizing a tow in the final corner. Piastri, after being warned of Norris's approach, dryly remarked, "Cheeky." Despite the brief exchange, Piastri went on to secure pole position, and later led Norris in a dominant 1-2 finish during the race. Stella downplayed the significance of the radio comment, viewing it more as a communication oversight by the team rather than an intra-team challenge. He emphasized that drivers are encouraged to voice their thoughts and that the team needs to do its "homework" to prevent future surprises, ensuring they are even better prepared for upcoming races. Stella also affirmed that pre-race briefings are not becoming more difficult despite the intensifying competition between his drivers. He praised both Piastri and Norris for their responsible approach to internal competition, highlighting their adherence to McLaren's racing principles, especially as they continue to battle at the front of the pack.