McLaren's Las Vegas FP3 Nightmare: Performance Doubts Emerge After Telemetry Issues

McLaren's Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend hit a major snag during Free Practice 3, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing at the bottom of the timesheets due to critical telemetry issues. This late drama has cast significant doubts on their qualifying prospects, despite Norris showing strong pace earlier in FP2.

Why it matters:

McLaren entered the Las Vegas weekend with high hopes, especially after a strong run of form in recent races. However, these technical glitches at a crucial stage of the practice sessions mean both drivers lost valuable track time and data when the circuit was at its fastest. This lack of preparation could severely hinder their ability to compete for top positions in qualifying, a session that is vital for grid placement on a new and challenging street circuit.

The Details:

• Telemetry Troubles: Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri encountered telemetry issues during FP3, forcing them to abort laps when the track conditions were optimal for setting fast times. This prevented them from gathering crucial data on tire performance and car balance.
• Impact on Performance: Norris, who had topped FP2, finished 19th, and Piastri finished 20th in FP3. While their ultimate pace might be better, the lack of clean runs means they haven't had the opportunity to fine-tune their cars or gain confidence in the conditions.
• Expert Concerns: Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson noted, "That will be hard to overcome for McLaren now. They will be fighting to get the laps in and feel comfortable." Jenson Button echoed this, stating, "It's not nice going into qualifying like McLaren are... it's still not nice going into qualifying knowing they had issues going into it."
• Competitive Landscape: Davidson believes McLaren's car has speed, but "maybe not to match the likes of Verstappen and Russell," while Ferrari also looked strong in these conditions.

The big picture:

The Las Vegas Grand Prix has already been eventful, with a manhole cover issue disrupting FP1 and FP2. For McLaren, these internal technical problems compound the challenges of a new street circuit, where track evolution and driver confidence are paramount. Losing out on critical data in FP3 puts them at a significant disadvantage against rivals who managed clean runs and can go into qualifying with a clear understanding of their car's potential.

What's next:

McLaren faces an uphill battle to recover before qualifying. The team will be working furiously to analyze any available data, resolve the telemetry issues, and ensure both cars are in optimal condition. Drivers Norris and Piastri will need to quickly adapt and find their rhythm, likely relying on their talent to extract performance without the usual comprehensive data. Their qualifying performance will be a true test of their resilience and the team's ability to bounce back from adversity.