DHL Fastest Pit Stop not enough: Piastri has to settle for P7 in Austin

Despite a disappointing qualifying session, McLaren were still able to score solid points on race day thanks to smart strategic decisions, good teamwork and strong performances by both drivers.

Before the start, both a one-stop and a two-stop strategy were on the table. Having opted to start on medium tires, Oscar Piastri immediately put pressure on George Russell in the braking zone at the end of the back straight. Russell defended his position but ran off the track in the process and received a five-second penalty as a result.

On lap 15, Piastri made his pit stop. The McLaren crew changed his tires from medium to hard in just 2.11 seconds. McLaren employed a flexible strategy for Piastri: he was to stay out as long as he could keep Russell behind him, but the team was prepared to make a second pit stop if he were to lose his position. Russell continued to put Piastri under heavy pressure.

Time and again, he closed in to within the distance required for overtake mode, but then had to back off again. Piastri fended off several attacks and crossed the finish line with a 1.6-second lead, after the Mercedes had been breathing down his neck practically nonstop for the final 20 laps.

“A tricky day out there,” said Piastri. “The hard compound was good, so we were able to extend to a one-stop strategy, having initially planned for a two-stopper, which helped us manage the track position in the second stint and keep George behind, which was positive. The strategy was strong, we had a solid start and pit stop, we just didn’t have the pace to be able to make up any places.”