McLaren promised "big celebrations" after fighting back from being "destroyed"

Norris, Ricciardo, McLaren, Italy — Photo: © LAT Images

Italian Grand Prix

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McLaren promised "big celebrations" after fighting back from being "destroyed"

McLaren took its first one-two finish since Canada 2010 at Monza

Ewan Gale

Sunday 12 September 2021 21:15

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Andreas Seidl has insisted "big celebrations" are in store for McLaren after the team overcame being "destroyed" at Zandvoort to take a sensational one-two finish in the Italian Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo took the lead from Red Bull's Max Verstappen at turn one at Monza and controlled the pace magnificently for McLaren's first victory since 2012, and in leading home team-mate Lando Norris, its first one-two in 11 years.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Seidl said: "I am just incredibly proud of the team, every single member of the team, back home, here at the track, our colleagues from Mercedes and Lando and Daniel.

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"There was a lot of pressure today because we knew we had a good car and we knew if we managed to stay ahead of the other car at the beginning or overtake, there was a chance to do something big.

"The way the team handled the pressure was impressive, very happy with that. There will be some big celebrations"

McLaren "direction is the right one"

The result in Italy completes a remarkable turnaround for McLaren after overcoming trouble with previous power unit supplier Honda since CEO Zak Brown and Seidl joined the team to steer the ship in the right direction.

Positive results have become increasingly frequent in recent times and Ricciardo's victory was taken on merit.

That was despite the clash between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and with the team struggling for pace in the Netherlands the previous Sunday.

"I would say it is not down to individuals, it is down to the team," added Seidl.

"I have a great leadership team, great support and freedom at the same time from Zac [Brown] to do things how I think they should be done and to bring in my style.

"The team is doing sensational work with sensational spirit as well and it is great to see that it is paying off step-by-step.

"At the same time, there is no reason to get carried away. It is important to celebrate but we shouldn't forget one week ago we got destroyed so we have a lot of work to do but the direction is the right one."