Stella identifies factor McLaren are relying on for future races

McLaren Formula 1 Team Principal Andrea Stella admits that the team are relying on upgrades for success at future races rather than having a locked-in set-up direction.

The squad performed strongly in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, with Lando Norris particularly catching the eye by sealing P3 on the grid.

While the race itself was less successful for the Woking-based squad – with both Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing outside of the points – Stella was not getting carried away by their good showing on Saturday, having suggested that the performance was mainly due to the cool conditions.

"From a set-up direction at this event, we maximised the set-up directions, which are, to be honest, very fundamental," Stella told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"[It was] nothing too much of a mystery in Formula 1, but it seemed to work well.

"I think it worked well because of the underlying conditions, [of] very high grip, and just everything was working in synergy."

Upgrades coming for McLaren

Stella expects the updates that the team have planned to be crucial in determining their success at upcoming races.

"In terms of future races, I would rely much more on the upgrades we are bringing, rather than having a locked set-up direction," he explained.

"Because the set-up directions may work in some conditions but, if we go back to Miami, even with this set-up direction, I don't think we are going to [have] two cars in Q3.

"Rain, cold, cloud cover... It's not easy to control these elements."

In terms of when McLaren may bring more upgrades, Stella added: "We aim to have upgrades in Austria."

According to the Team Principal, these will be centred around the aerodynamics and will be "visible".