McLaren Drivers Face 'Unbelievable Stress' After Disastrous FP3 in Las Vegas
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are reportedly under immense pressure after a disastrous final practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing at the very bottom of the timesheets. Technical issues plagued both cars, leaving the duo lacking confidence heading into a potentially damp qualifying session, which could significantly impact their championship aspirations.
Jenson Button believes Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are under "an unbelievable amount of stress" following a disastrous final practice session ahead of qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Both McLaren drivers struggled with their cars and finished at the bottom of the timesheet, raising concerns about their confidence heading into a potentially damp qualifying session.
Why it matters:
After a strong resurgence this season, McLaren's performance in FP3 could significantly impact their qualifying fortunes, especially with crucial championship points at stake. The added pressure of a damp track for qualifying means drivers will need to balance risk with precision, a challenge amplified by McLaren's technical issues. This situation is 'horrible' for both Norris and Piastri, who are either hunting or being hunted in the standings, making every point and qualifying position vital.
The Details:
- Damp Conditions & Track Evolution: The hour-long session started damp, with track evolution improving as drivers switched to soft tires. Despite this, neither Norris nor Piastri could find consistent pace.
- Technical Glitches: In the crucial closing stages, Norris was forced back into the garage due to an apparent electrical issue, while Piastri's running was curtailed by a telemetry problem.
- Bottom of the Timesheet: As a result, Piastri and Norris finished 19th and 20th, respectively, over three seconds behind pacesetter George Russell.
- Qualifying Woes: The issues mean neither driver will enter qualifying with confidence. Adding to the challenge, rain began to fall just after FP3, suggesting Q1 could start on an intermediate tire.
- Tire Conundrum: According to Button, the intermediate tires are too soft for the conditions, causing sliding, while dry tires are unsuitable for the wet track, creating a tricky balance for teams.
What's next:
Qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be a high-stakes, unpredictable session. With rain continuing to fall and incredibly cold temperatures, teams will face difficult decisions regarding tire strategy and risk management. The McLaren drivers, already battling technical issues and a lack of confidence, will need to dig deep to recover, with their qualifying performance potentially swinging to either extreme. It promises to be an exciting session, with the biggest risks likely taken in Q2 and Q3 if the track begins to dry.