Andrea Stella says his McLaren role is ‘not sustainable’ as he responds to ‘pre-contracts’ rumours

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Andrea Stella has claimed that his current ‘dual role’ at McLaren is ‘not sustainable’ in the long run as he finally responds to ‘pre-contracts’ rumours.

Last week, Stella was linked with a return to Ferrari following the announcement that Gianpiero Lambiase is set to join McLaren in 2028.

Lambiase will be joining as Chief Racing Officer, allowing Stella to focus on other aspects of his role as team principal.

Prior to McLaren’s official statement, it was claimed that Stella had signed a ‘pre-contract’ with Ferrari.

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Andrea Stella explains what Gianpiero Lambiase’s arrival will mean for McLaren

Speaking recently to McLaren, Stella stated that the team decided to bring Lambiase in as his current ‘dual role’ could not be sustainable in the long run.

He explained: “GianPiero’s arrival is the classic icing on a cake that already has all the right ingredients in the first place.

“For me, he will be a key support, filling the role of Chief Racing Officer, a position I currently hold alongside my role as Team Principal.

“Together with Zak, we have always worked over the past three years to ensure the continuity over the long term in terms of leadership and expertise.”

Stella added: “This is particularly true for certain key roles, like positions in the race team. It is above all in this area that the expansion of the calendar has had significant consequences in terms of personal commitment and quality of life. The role of Team Principal has also become more complex.

“Zak and I have built a flat team structure, in which it is essential to ensure all leaders are properly empowered, but at the same time, we must guarantee there is always the necessary level of long-term support.

“It goes without saying that, with this approach, the dual role I currently hold could not be sustainable in the long run.”

READ MORE: Andrea Stella reveals what ‘contributed’ to Gianpiero Lambiase’s decision to join McLaren

Andrea Stella responds to ‘pre-contracts’ and McLaren exit rumours

When quizzed on rumours linking him with a move away from the team, Stella admitted that the speculation made him smile.

He said: “Honestly, some of the recent rumours, including those regarding astronomical salaries and mythical pre-contracts, have made me smile. It almost seems as though the ‘silly season’, which usually begins before summer, has arrived early! 

“I’m quite used to this sort of thing by now and I take with a smile. It almost looks like that some envious pastry chef has tried to spoil the preparation of a good dessert at the McLaren patisserie. However, we do know very well how to distinguish the good ingredients from the poisoned biscuits…”