‘I’m very proud’ – Stella reacts to McLaren leading the constructors’ championship for the first time since 2014

Andrea Stella was full of praise for both his drivers in Azerbaijan, as Oscar Piastri delivered his second career win for McLaren, while Lando Norris recovered from a Q1 qualifying exit to finish in fourth.

Those results lifted McLaren above Red Bull in the constructors’ championship – the team leading the standings for the first time since 2014, and now chasing a first constructors’ title since 1998.

But Piastri’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix victory wasn’t as easy as the one they managed in Zandvoort, when Norris crossed the line over 20 seconds ahead of the field. Instead, Piastri had to work hard for his win, passing long-time race leader Charles Leclerc on track and then defending for lap after lap to keep the Ferrari man at bay.

READ MORE: Piastri relieved after ‘hanging on for dear life’ to beat Leclerc and claim Baku victory

“What brilliancy in Oscar’s drive today and what teamwork, because obviously Lando did a bit of the job in helping Oscar today – and then what a recovery from 15th on the grid,” Stella told Sky Sports F1 afterwards. “Such a strong team, such strong drivers – I’m very proud of them.”

“Oscar’s performance throughout the race was exceptional, and to take the lead in the way that he did is proof of what a special driver he is.”

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Norris was on an alternate strategy to his team mate, and was still on his original set of hard tyres when he managed to hold up the charging Red Bull of Sergio Perez, enabling Piastri to pit and come out in front of the Mexican.

That in turn meant Piastri had fresh tyres to attack – and crucially, pass – Leclerc, and ultimately helped him secure the victory.

“[Oscar] said it was the most stressful Sunday afternoon of his life – I hope he will have this kind of stress much more frequently in the future!” joked Stella. “A boring win – we would take it anyhow!”

With two wins apiece, both McLaren drivers are delivering crucial points in their team’s quest for a first constructors’ title in over two decades, but Norris wasn’t able to take too many points out of Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standing, reducing the deficit from 62 to 59 points in Baku.

“Today’s result also promotes us to first in the constructors’ championship, an important milestone in our journey. However, the team remain clearly focused on the task ahead, and we use this positive moment to redouble our efforts for the coming races," concluded Stella.

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McLaren now lead Red Bull by 20 points with seven Grands Prix and three Sprints to go this season – with the floodlit Singapore Grand Prix up next this weekend.