Oscar Piastri shared his thoughts on McLaren’s performance during the first day of practice at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, highlighting the challenges the team faces in understanding their prospects at the high-altitude circuit. After completing Free Practice 1 and 2, Piastri described the situation as “very difficult to know,” reflecting the complexity of the weekend so far.
During the sessions on Friday, Piastri finished eighth in FP1 and dropped to tenth in FP2, while teammate Lando Norris showed a contrasting pace, placing seventeenth in FP1 but improving significantly to second in FP2. Reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli took part in FP1, running numerous tests aimed at optimizing the car’s setup for Mexico’s unique conditions. McLaren’s Senior Racing Director Randy Singh praised Fornaroli’s contribution and noted the team’s ongoing efforts to refine the car’s performance.
The Mexico City circuit presents particular challenges due to its high altitude, which affects engine performance and tyre behaviour. Piastri pointed out that the tricky conditions, combined with the presence of many rookies in FP1, make it hard to draw clear conclusions about McLaren’s competitiveness. He also experienced a close call with the barriers during FP2 but considered the overall day reasonable given the circumstances.
Singh emphasized that the top four teams remain closely matched, while the midfield battle has become tighter compared to recent races. Managing tyre temperatures will be a critical factor on race day, especially given the frequent lock-ups observed during FP2. These incidents underline the difficulties drivers face in controlling the car under braking in Mexico’s demanding environment.
McLaren’s approach on Friday focused heavily on gathering data and experimenting with setups to adapt to the altitude and track conditions. Fornaroli’s involvement in FP1 allowed the team to explore different configurations, providing valuable information to support Piastri and Norris in the later sessions. The team’s cautious assessment reflects the complexity of the weekend and the need for further analysis before making firm judgments.
While the initial practice sessions have offered some insights, McLaren’s prospects in Mexico remain uncertain. The combination of environmental factors and the evolving competitive landscape means that the team is still searching for the optimal balance. Piastri’s evaluation highlights the unpredictable nature of the weekend and the importance of continued development and adaptation.
This assessment from McLaren’s camp offers a clear picture of the challenges faced at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with the team focused on understanding their car’s behaviour rather than making definitive claims about race performance. The feedback from Piastri and Singh underlines the technical and strategic complexities that come with racing at high altitude and the fine margins that will influence the outcome in this part of the championship.