P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has refuted the idea that a specialist low-downforce rear wing is the critical factor at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, whilst providing his own explanation for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s qualifying struggles.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella explained the reasons behind Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s struggles in qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with the team finishing sixth and eighth respectively on the grid. The low-downforce setup required at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, similar to that of the Monza track, led to some teams facing difficulties with specialist parts. Despite rumors regarding rear wings and performance, Stella emphasized that McLaren’s focus on big wings suits their car better, as seen in previous races like Barcelona and Hungary. Stella acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a low-drag setup and the importance of tire interaction in achieving performance on the track in Las Vegas. The top speeds achieved in FP2 showed Alpine leading at 353 km/h, while McLaren and Red Bull tied at 349 km/h, showcasing the tight competition on the grid. Despite the varying theories and team performances, Stella believes that the interaction between the car, tires, and track conditions plays a crucial role in determining success in the race. The unique challenges posed by the Las Vegas circuit set the stage for an intriguing and competitive Grand Prix for all teams involved.
