Stella credits conditions over upgrades for Norris Brazilian GP win

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has suggested that cooler track temperatures and wet conditions played a bigger role in Lando Norris's Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory than the team's upgrades. Norris converted pole position at Interlagos to take his and McLaren's third win of the 2026 season, ending the team's five-race run without a podium. The weekend also saw McLaren introduce several new parts, including a revised front wing.

Stella acknowledged the updates delivered the anticipated improvement, but said the lap time gains were more evident in dry conditions than in the wet. He noted that Norris was competitive in changeable conditions, while Oscar Piastri struggled in qualifying when the track had less standing water and was also affected by braking anomalies that caused rear locking.

Stella reiterated his view after the race, pointing to the track and ambient temperatures, which he described as much colder than on Friday, when McLaren had trailed Mercedes on pace.