# Stella Clarifies Norris Straightline Speed Issue

> McLaren's Andrea Stella explains Lando Norris' recurring straightline speed deficit in Bahrain GP qualifying.
- Title: Stella Clarifies Norris Straightline Speed Issue · Motorsport
- Summary: McLaren's Andrea Stella explains Lando Norris' recurring straightline speed deficit in Bahrain GP qualifying. McLaren's Andrea Stella confirmed Lando Norris'…
- Keywords: lando norris, mcclaren, formula 1, bahrain gp, qualifying, straightline speed, power unit, mercedes, sports, cars, Stella, Clarifies
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/stella-explains-recurring-norris-straightline-speed-issue-after-bahrain-gp-qualifying/10861551
- Author: Jake Boxall-Legge
- Published: 2026-10-03T12:37:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lando norris, mcclaren, formula 1, bahrain gp, qualifying, straightline speed, power unit, mercedes, sports, cars
## Norris' Straightline Speed Issue
Lando Norris struggled with straightline speed during Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying, repeating in Malaysia.
## Stella Explains Power Unit Deficit
McLaren's Andrea Stella confirmed Norris' power unit lacks straightline speed, causing a lap time deficit.
## Quantifiable Speed Deficit
Stella said Norris' car loses 0.1-0.2 seconds per lap due to reduced straightline speed.
## Statistical Impact
The deficit affects Norris' lap times when slipstreaming from cars 4 seconds ahead.
## Possible Causes
Stella noted external factors like chassis or drag could cause the speed deficit, not just power unit issues.
## Next Steps
McLaren will investigate further changes but only for Singapore Grand Prix.
## Key takeaway

McLaren's Andrea Stella confirmed Lando Norris' power unit lacks straightline speed, costing him 0.1-0.2s per lap in Bahrain GP qualifying.