50 minutes before start: commentary by Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri starts eighth in Vegas and would like to make up the distance…

Oscar Piastri: “Today there is a strong wind blowing dust on the track, and this will certainly affect the quality of the grip on the asphalt. Let’s start with the fact that the grip already left much to be desired, and now the level has probably only become lower.

In general, we will see. In a straight line the wind blows in the opposite direction and this can have an interesting effect when overtaking. But I don’t expect the grip to be at a normal level.

I think the most important thing will be to find the right approach to the tires and use their resources wisely, especially at the start of the race. We’ll see how it goes, but the tires have been our strong point this weekend and I think the McLaren car can reach quite good speed.

We already understand more or less why we weren’t that fast in the last qualifying, but I am confident that we will be able to fight for positions in the race. I don’t know, maybe we can’t claim victory, but today we have to perform a little more confidently than yesterday.

We expect Ferrari to be very fast on this circuit, but in theory we should not fall behind, although several theories this year have not always been confirmed in practice. Hopefully we can give Ferrari a fight, but this is Vegas and anything can happen here.”