'Not sure what happened' – Piastri reflects on 'bizarre' Q2 exit in Mexico City GP Qualifying

Oscar Piastri admits he is "not sure what happened" as the McLaren driver was eliminated in Q2 ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Australian's pace looked promising after finishing fourth fastest in the opening phase of Qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Saturday.

But he soon found himself on the sidelines after only managing to set the 13th quickest time in Q2 after aborting a late effort and not being quick enough on his next attempt.

The result was even more frustrating as McLaren team mate Lando Norris topped Q2, with the reigning World Champion set to start from P6 for Sunday's race.

Piastri complained over the radio about a lack of rear grip with the tyres, and was still at a loss post-session to explain what the problem had been.

"No idea. The new set of tyres we put on in Q2 just had no grip," said Piastri.

"Not sure what happened there but the balance was completely different somehow. I don't really know what happened, I'm sure we'll have a look but just very bizarre."

Piastri has struggled to repeat his form from last season under the new-for-2026 regulations, failing to win a race for more than a year and without a podium since Miami back in May.

McLaren sit tied for P3 in the Teams' Championship standings alongside Red Bull, with Piastri admitting his aim for the remainder of the weekend was to try and just reach the points.

"Now just try and make up as many spots as I can and try and get into the points, that's the biggest thing," said Piastri. "Just try and understand what happened first."