Oscar Piastri Confident in McLaren's 'Decent' Pace Despite Disrupted Las Vegas Practice
Oscar Piastri believes McLaren's MCL39 possesses "decent" pace at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite a Thursday plagued by braking issues and drain cover disruptions. Teammate Lando Norris, who topped FP2, is confident of fighting for pole position, intensifying their championship duel. Both drivers aim to maximize performance despite the limited running and track unknowns.
Despite a challenging and disrupted Thursday practice session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri expressed confidence in the "decent" underlying pace of the McLaren MCL39. Teammate Lando Norris, meanwhile, has set his sights on pole position, emphasizing the high stakes in their championship battle.
Why it matters:
McLaren's performance in Las Vegas is crucial for both drivers, particularly Lando Norris, who is vying for the Drivers' Championship. A strong showing here could significantly impact the championship standings and provide a critical psychological boost. The team's ability to extract pace despite track disruptions and adapt to the unique street circuit conditions will be a key indicator of their championship credentials.
The details:
- Disrupted Sessions: McLaren's Thursday practice sessions were severely impacted. FP1 saw braking issues, while FP2 was halted twice due to drain cover problems, with the final red flag leaving only two minutes remaining.
- Limited Laps: Piastri completed very few meaningful laps in FP2, making it difficult to accurately assess his one-lap pace.
- Norris's Pace: Lando Norris topped the FP2 timesheets with a 1:33.602, showcasing strong potential. He expressed optimism about the car's feel compared to last year.
- Piastri's Assessment: Piastri acknowledged the limited running but stated, "Clearly the car has got decent pace." He also noted that many drivers didn't get clean runs on soft tires, making the overall pecking order unclear.
- Year-on-Year Improvement: Piastri believes McLaren is in a better position this year compared to the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was an underwhelming weekend for the team. He noted changes made for FP2 felt good.
- Championship Stakes: Norris explicitly stated, "we're fighting for pole," highlighting his intent to maximize points in the championship battle. Piastri, though less explicit, also aims to capitalize on any opportunity.
What's next:
With limited long-run data and the track continuing to evolve, qualifying will be a critical session for McLaren. Both drivers will need to quickly adapt and find the optimal setup overnight. The weather conditions could also play a role in further challenging the teams. If McLaren can translate their perceived pace into strong qualifying and race results, it will significantly bolster their championship aspirations and provide momentum in their internal battle.