Piastri Confident of More Pace After Vegas Qualifying Setback
Oscar Piastri believes McLaren has strong race pace despite a yellow flag incident in Las Vegas qualifying that prevented him from improving on his fifth-place start. A late incident forced him to abandon what could have been a higher grid position, but both Piastri and Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed confidence in the car's performance across conditions, aiming for a double podium in the race.
Oscar Piastri expressed confidence in McLaren's potential for the upcoming race despite a frustrating qualifying session in Las Vegas that saw him miss a chance to improve his lap time. A late yellow flag, triggered by Charles Leclerc, and a subsequent incident with Isack Hadjar, prevented Piastri from converting what could have been a front-row start into a higher grid position than fifth.
Why it matters:
- Piastri's missed opportunity highlights the fine margins in F1 qualifying and the impact of unforeseen circumstances.
- Despite starting fifth, his confidence in McLaren's car across varying conditions signals their potential to challenge the frontrunners and make significant gains in the race.
- The team's improved performance in Las Vegas, a circuit that has historically challenged McLaren, suggests a positive step forward in their development.
The Details:
- Yellow Flag Incident: Piastri was on a strong final push lap in Q3 when a yellow flag appeared at Turn 14 due to Charles Leclerc's off-track excursion.
- Avoiding Action: As Piastri slowed, Isack Hadjar lost control of his Racing Bull at high speed and slid towards the McLaren, forcing Piastri to take evasive action, ending his final attempt.
- Missed Potential: Piastri believed there was "more out there" on his final lap, suggesting a higher grid position was achievable without the interruption. He also noted some operational issues at the start of the lap that further impacted his run.
- Team Principal's View: McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed that P3 was likely possible for Piastri, calling it "a little bit of a shame" he encountered the yellow flag.
- Strong Race Prospects: Both Piastri and Stella are optimistic about McLaren's race pace. Piastri stated the car "seems to be working well in all kinds of conditions," indicating they can challenge Mercedes and Max Verstappen.
What's next:
- Piastri will start the race from fifth position, between George Russell and Liam Lawson, with teammate Lando Norris on pole.
- The race is anticipated to be held in dry conditions, a stark contrast to the wet qualifying session, which could further favor McLaren's strong car performance.
- McLaren aims to secure a podium finish with both cars, emphasizing their confidence in their current form and the car's adaptability.