“The long run I think started off a little more competitive, but even there I think we need to refine a few things. One lap pace is quite far off.

“Of course the circumstances here are quite unique and it is very cold, but at the end of the day it is the same for everyone, so we have to try to understand what we are doing wrong at the moment.”

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from the second practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Asked if he has a clear direction to work towards from one day to the next, he added: “I mean, to me it just feels hugely tyre-related. The balance of the car isn’t that bad I think, we just don’t have any grip – it’s like we’re driving on ice at the moment.”

It was a similar experience for Sergio Perez on the other side of the Red Bull garage, with the Mexican echoing his teammate’s comments and hoping the team can “go in the (right) direction” before final training.