McLaren boss refuses to surrender title hopes: 'We want to make this happen'

Powered by what is widely regarded as the strongest power unit on the grid, the MCL40 has shown flashes of significant potential so far this season, as highlighted by Oscar Piastri's performance in Japan and Lando Norris' impressive drive in Miami. However, both drivers have been held back in the championship standings by a series of retirements and non-starts, with the car proving capable of delivering strong pace but lacking the reliability needed to consistently convert that speed into points.

However, speaking to GPblog and other media outlets, Stella remained optimistic about McLaren's prospects despite the disappointing start to the campaign. The Italian pointed to the progress being made both in the development of the car and in the team's understanding of how to maximise its power unit package.

While acknowledging that McLaren had expected to be in a stronger championship position after the opening five rounds, Stella stressed that the season is still in its early stages and insisted there is no sense of resignation within the team. Instead, the focus remains on extracting lessons from every race weekend and continuing to improve, with McLaren determined to stay in the title fight for as long as possible and push the battle all the way to the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to GPblog and other media outlets after the Canadian Grand Prix, the Briton singled out Ferrari as a major contender for the Monaco weekend, pointing to the team's impressive performance in slower corners. Norris believes those characteristics could prove particularly valuable around the tight and twisty streets of Monte Carlo, even suggesting Ferrari may arrive in the Principality as the benchmark in qualifying.

Stella also believes Ferrari could emerge as McLaren's biggest threat in Monaco, pointing to the Italian team's strong performance through medium- and low-speed corners throughout the opening phase of the season. According to the McLaren boss, the characteristics of the Monte Carlo circuit are well suited to Ferrari's package, particularly in the more technical sections where the car has consistently shown strong pace.

The Italian also noted that one of Ferrari's key shortcomings in recent races - a deficit on the straights compared to some of its rivals - is unlikely to have a major impact around Monaco's tight street circuit. As a result, Stella sees Ferrari as one of the leading contenders for qualifying and believes the Scuderia could even have the car to beat in the fight for pole position.