Andre Stella of McLaren was particularly memorable during the opening laps of Free Practice 1 for the Austrian Grand Prix in the 2023 Formula One season.
Due to the MCL60 not meeting pre-season development targets, McLaren had a delayed start to the 2023 season.
Before the season, Stella and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown were brutally honest, acknowledging that the team was falling short in the early races.
Nonetheless, a bold approach to development produced a notable improvement at the Austrian Grand Prix.
It was a pivotal moment for the team because it would either positively or negatively define the future of the team when fitted to Lando Norris’ vehicle.
In response to a question about his favorite 2023 KTM Summer Grill moment, Stella replied, “Difficult to mention one in particular.”
In attempting to respond to your inquiry, I merely follow my gut and intuition. As I work, the early laps in Austria nearly immediately spring to mind.
“In Free Practice 1, we had Lando driving the new car and Oscar driving the old car. Based on the telemetry, I could see that Lando was able to carry a lot more speed in the corners with the new car.”
I recall thinking, ‘This looks good,’ to myself.
“Well, that was a pleasant recollection and positive emotions that were gratefully verified by lap time and subsequent outcomes.
A week later at the British Grand Prix, McLaren pulled out all the stops to have another version of the updated car ready for Piastri. The Austrian Grand Prix was the first of back-to-back races.
Norris and Piastri qualified second and third, respectively, at the event, underscoring the potential shown in Austria; the latter was unfortunate not to secure his maiden F1 podium.
That incident is another treasured memory and significant occassion.
