Bitter start for Oscar Piastri in qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Australian McLaren driver, fresh from a brilliant performance in free practice where he had set the fastest time, was surprisingly eliminated in the first qualifying session (Q1), finishing in 17th place. This is the first time this season that Piastri has failed to reach Q2. A hard blow for McLaren who now finds themselves with only one car in contention in the crucial stages of the weekend.
A fatal mistake at the wrong time
Piastri recounted the decisive episode of his Q1, stressing how the mistake was crucial. “I went a little too long and touched a kerb. My lap was deleted, but I had still lost a lot of time, so that was it.” Once back in the pits, Piastri realized that his first attempt, without the mistake in question, would have been enough to advance to Q2, thus increasing the driver's frustration. “My lap would have been enough. So it’s very frustrating to have made that mistake,” he said.
Piastri's journey started uphill with a series of unexpected events that prevented McLaren from fully exploiting the potential of the car. After a problematic first lap and a penalty for exceeding the track limits, Piastri had only one last chance to go for broke. But a blockage at the end ruined that attempt too.
A blow for the constructors' standings
Piastri's early elimination in qualifying in Mexico could have a significant impact on McLaren's ambitions, engaged in a tight fight for the constructors' title. The Woking team is in a crucial battle with both Red Bull and Ferrari, and the young Australian's backward position does not help in the hunt for points. Piastri's absence in the points zone tomorrow represents an outstretched hand for their direct rivals. Especially at a time when Ferrari, strong from the one-two in Austin, is on the rise.
This setback, coming on a key weekend for McLaren, could further complicate the race for the constructors' title. However, attention now turns to Lando Norris, the only McLaren driver left in the top positions, who will have to try to collect as many points as possible to keep the team in the running against its rivals.
Source statements: SkySportF1
