In 2000 Stella joined Ferrari as engineer, working with an all-star line-up together with Schumacher, Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, Nikolas Tombazis, James Allison and engine guru Pino D’Agostino.
Talking on F1’s Past the Grid podcast, Stella defined the “continuity and seniority” from Ferrari’s golden period of success are nonetheless legitimate substances at this time as he tries to copy them at McLaren.
“The seniority, the standard of the individuals concerned; it was simply extraordinary,” Stella mentioned.Â
“I feel a few of them they even accepted to remain in a sure function, realizing that they have been completely prepared to choose one or two larger ranges had they gone to a different crew, however they accepted to remain in that function as a result of that is what was wanted to create what was probably the strongest crew that now we have seen in System 1.
“There was a lot continuity on this journey the place you retain figuring out what you have to add and you retain constructing brick by brick. I feel that is one thing that we kind of missed through the Fernando [Alonso] period. And we may have constructed it, however undoubtedly would have wanted lots of continuity and this brick by brick method that was established as of the mid 90’s at Ferrari.
“There are some components of the script that have not modified over time, independently of the function that I have been on. And continuity and seniority, they do kind a part of this script. And that is what we are attempting to do what McLaren as nicely.”
Michael Schumacher celebrates victory in each the race and the world championship with Ross Brawn, Technical Director, Ferrari, Jean Todt, Crew Principal, Ferrari, and the remainder of the Ferrari crew
Picture by: Motorsport Images
Upon taking on as crew boss from Andreas Seidl at the beginning of the yr, Stella undertook a restructuring technique of McLaren’s technical departments, which yielded a a lot improved automotive that has allowed drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to take back-to-back double podiums in Japan and Qatar.
Within the meantime, McLaren has additionally upgraded its amenities, whereas happening a recruiting spree that enticed Pink Bull’s Rob Marshall and Ferrari’s David Sanchez, amongst a dozen others, to move to Woking this coming low season.
Stella’s high-profile recruiting will be seen within the context of replicating Ferrari’s all-star line-up, with the Italian referring to his hires as including further “horsepower” to Woking.
“We undoubtedly wished to work on this seniority ingredient, bringing what we name horsepower to the crew,” he defined.
“We wish to compete with Pink Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari. In itself it is a daunting mission, and we have to be nicely outfitted.
“So, we’re very excited that David and Rob will contribute with their experience, with their expertise, with their imaginative and prescient in the direction of this era of vehicles and likewise in the direction of 2026.
“Like all groups should face this necessary problem that’s already within the agenda and you have to be outfitted.”
However Stella was additionally eager to emphasize that it is McLaren’s present personnel that has been answerable for its speedy enhancements through the 2023 season.
“[The development we’ve had] was the results of the those that have been already at McLaren and the 2024 automotive would be the results of the individuals which can be already at McLaren,” Stella defined.
“In 2024, we’ll see what we’re in a position to do by way of persevering with with the event of the automotive. We can have, and we have already got in equity, full exploitation of the infrastructure that got here to fruition: wind tunnel, simulator, manufacturing amenities.”Â