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McLaren boss Stella jokes about Verstappen: 'We'd need a third car'
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella lightheartedly dismissed persistent rumors linking Max Verstappen to his team, quipping that they would need an extra car to make it work.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-19T10:08:03.000Z - 2 min read
The Formula 1 paddock is a hotbed for speculation, particularly when it comes to the future of the sport's most successful drivers. Persistent rumors have recently circulated regarding a potential move by reigning world champion Max Verstappen to McLaren, a team undergoing an impressive resurgence in the sport.
During a recent media session, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was asked for his thoughts on these wild stories. The Italian responded with a wide smile and a witticism that immediately brought laughs from the assembled journalists. His answer was as sharp as it was humorous, demonstrating a distinct ease in dealing with the press.
Stella dryly remarked that if Verstappen were indeed to come to Woking, the team would need a 'third car.' It was a comment that aptly illustrates the reality of Formula 1 rules, as every team is permitted to enter only two cars in the championship. His joke underscored the unrealistic nature of the rumors.
The statement highlights the constant dynamics within Formula 1, where top talent like Verstappen is inevitably linked with every leading team. Even without any concrete basis, the prospect of a champion driver joining another top team continues to fire the imagination of fans and media alike.
Stella's remark can be viewed as a charming way to parry speculation without directly addressing the substance. While acknowledging Verstappen's stature as a driver, it simultaneously rubbishes the notion that there is simply space for him within the current structure of McLaren or the sport in general.
It is a textbook example of how team principals navigate the barrage of questions and hypothetical scenarios. By tackling the situation with humor, Stella defused the pressure of the query while delivering a clear message about Formula 1's present reality and regulatory framework.
Although rumors surrounding Verstappen and McLaren will likely continue to surface, Andrea Stella has temporarily parked the debate in a lighthearted manner with his witty response. Such remarks are a staple of the paddock, adding a human and grounding touch to an otherwise serious racing world.