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McLaren Faces Las Vegas Test as Norris Sounds Caution in Title Fight

The team says targeted changes after last year’s tyre and aero woes may help, leaving cool 8pm conditions as the key unknown.

Overview

  • Andrea Stella says McLaren has acted on 2024 findings across tyres, aerodynamic efficiency and setup, but accepts only track running will show if the fixes work.
  • Qualifying and the race start at 8pm local time, with temperatures around 12C forecast, keeping tyre warm-up and graining risks central to the competitive picture.
  • Norris says the circuit is likely to hinder McLaren and leads Piastri by 24 points with three grands prix plus a sprint remaining, as Verstappen trails Norris by 49.
  • Mercedes swept a one-two in Vegas last year, yet Toto Wolff doubts a repeat, with George Russell expecting strength but not the same dominance.
  • Pirelli’s stronger 2025 tyre construction has reduced graining elsewhere and could soften Vegas issues, as Piastri faces scrutiny over form after his manager urged an ‘attitude change.’