Zak Brown shuts down 'total nonsense' rumors of Andrea Stella Ferrari move

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has emphatically denied rumors linking Team Principal Andrea Stella with a return to Ferrari, labeling the speculation as deliberate misinformation from rival teams. Brown confirmed that Stella was instrumental in hiring Red Bull's GianPiero Lambiase and remains fully committed to leading McLaren into its next chapter.

Why it matters:

Stella has been the architect of McLaren's dramatic resurgence, transforming the team from midfield runners to back-to-back Constructors' champions in 2024 and 2025. Securing his leadership is critical for maintaining the team's championship momentum and stability, especially as they integrate a key technical hire from the reigning champions.

The details:

• Brown dismissed the Ferrari rumors as "total nonsense" and accused "one or two teams" of trying to destabilize McLaren through speculation.
• He stressed there is "zero chance" of Stella leaving, highlighting the team principal's deep commitment to the Woking-based squad.
• The signing of GianPiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's long-time race engineer, was confirmed as a move initiated and approved by Stella himself. Lambiase will join as Chief Racing Officer, reporting directly to Stella.
• Brown described Stella as the "glue" of the McLaren organization, a role that will not change with Lambiase's arrival, expected by 2028 at the latest.

What's next:

With leadership stability confirmed, McLaren's focus shifts to the track. Stella has already teased a "completely new car" set to debut at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix as the 2026 season resumes. The team aims to build on its recent double-championship success and integrate Lambiase's expertise to sustain its position at the front of the grid.