Despite missing qualifying, the Frenchman has been given permission to start the race, and he will thus join the penalised McLaren drivers at the back of the grid.

After Sean Gelael drove his car in FP1 on Friday, Gasly only completed only a handful of flying laps in FP2 before suffering a turbo issue.

He then stopped on track on his first lap in FP3, and the team wasn't able to replace his power unit in time for him to run in qualifying, meaning he has managed just 10 laps before the race.

Gasly, who had not previously driven the Mexico City track, admits that he missed out on a lot of routine homework.

"For sure in terms of preparation I haven't done any practice starts, I haven't pushed the pit entry once, no pitstops," he said.

"I could have come from Japan only today and go for the race tomorrow, it's basically the same thing. I've never had such a race weekend.

"The worst thing was to say yesterday night to my engineers 'don't worry guys, with the s*** day we had tomorrow it can only be better'."

Gasly changed out of his overalls before the session, but then there was some confusion in the garage as he was told to change back.

"They tried everything to make it on time, but at the beginning they told me there's no way they can do it, for sure you're not going to drive," he said.

"Then five minutes into the session they said, 'You might get one lap.' So I quickly got changed, and by the time I came back in the box they told me finally you can get changed again, it's not going to happen. I was, 'Thanks guys.'

"It was a tough day. In the team they all try to do their best, and it's just really unfortunate for all of us.

"For me it's really painful, because it's a new track, and the only thing I would like is to get some proper laps to get used to the car, to the track. At the moment it just doesn't go our way."

He admitted that the reconnaissance laps to the grid would be crucial.

"Each single second in the car tomorrow will be very useful and important for us to use to get ready for the race," added Gasly.

"I'm pretty sure we'll do some practice starts, so at least I'll get a couple before the proper race start. Also the pit entry, and the car balance with the fuel, I didn't do any long run with the fuel.

"I don't want to talk to much, because we never know what will happen If the engine doesn't start before the pitlane opens."