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Andrea Stella, the team principal of McLaren, expressed confidence that his squad had the potential to secure pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix. Unfortunately for the team, Oscar Piastri faced early elimination in Q1, leaving Lando Norris in a challenging position. Despite progressing to Q3, Norris ultimately fell short of securing pole, having to contend with Carlos Sainz and title competitor Max Verstappen. Stella reflected on several missed opportunities and costly mistakes made by both drivers.
Oscar Piastri’s Struggles in Qualifying
Oscar Piastri will be starting the Mexican Grand Prix from a disappointing seventeenth position. His first lap in Q1 was invalidated due to exceeding track limits, which left him no time to switch to fresh tires. Consequently, he had to complete his final attempt on worn rubber, leading to a lack of grip that proved insufficient for a top-fifteen finish, marking him as one of the early drop-outs.
Lando Norris Falls Short of Pole
Likewise, Lando Norris faced difficulties in his bid for pole position. His final attempt to set a top time was far from flawless, leaving him to start Sunday’s race from third on the grid. “I believe the car had the competitiveness to secure pole,” Andrea Stella noted in an interview with Sky Sports after qualifying. “However, Carlos (Sainz) raised the standard in the final session, making it tough for us.”
Critical Reflections on Driver Performance
Despite acknowledging the strong performance potential of their vehicles, Stella also critiqued the performances of his drivers. Analyzing the momentum leading up to Q3, he stated that Lando could have possibly claimed pole position. “Unfortunately, his last laps in the final session weren’t up to par due to a couple of errors that overheated the tires,” Stella explained. Norris himself described his Saturday qualification as ‘fairly satisfactory,’ indicating a focus on continuous improvement.
Looking Ahead: Championship Implications
Stella concluded by expressing mixed feelings regarding the team’s efforts. “While we’re pleased with the car’s performance, it’s clear we’ve let some opportunities slip away,” he emphasized. Currently, McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship, but they remain acutely aware of the threats posed by both Red Bull and Ferrari, who are in pursuit. With five more Grands Prix remaining in the season, the pressure is on the McLaren team to outscore their rivals and solidify their championship contention.
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