McLaren Shock: Norris and Piastri Disqualified from Las Vegas GP
What a dramatic twist we’ve seen at the Las Vegas Grand Prix! McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have both been disqualified from the race results, turning what seemed like a solid weekend into a major setback for the team and reshaping the 2025 Formula 1 championship battle.
Both McLaren cars failed the mandatory post-race inspection after the Grand Prix. The issue? The rear skid blocks on their MCL39s were found to be worn below the minimum thickness of 9mm, a critical part of the regulations designed to keep the cars at a legal ride height. Norris had crossed the finish line in second, and Piastri in fourth, but the technical breach saw them both stripped of their positions. The FIA confirmed that measurements were taken in the presence of stewards and McLaren representatives, and they clearly did not comply with the rules.
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McLaren argued that there were mitigating circumstances, citing unexpected porpoising during the race, limited practice due to weather, and shortened sessions. However, the stewards dismissed these points while acknowledging that the breach was unintentional and there was no deliberate attempt to bypass the regulations. Despite the unintentional nature, the penalty was clear: disqualification.
This double disqualification is a blow for McLaren, especially with the championship race tightening. Before this, Norris led the standings with 390 points, with Piastri and Max Verstappen level on 366. With both McLarens out of the Las Vegas points, Verstappen has now closed the gap significantly, moving to just 24 points behind Norris with only two rounds left in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, where 58 points remain up for grabs. This suddenly gives Red Bull a real shot at snatching the title in a thrilling season finale.
The race itself had already been dramatic. Norris started from pole and initially moved aggressively to challenge Verstappen at the start but ran wide into Turn 1, dropping to third before climbing back to second. Late in the race, McLaren instructed him to lift and coast, which Norris believed was to manage fuel, though it was later revealed the intention was to reduce wear on the plank and protect the car. Piastri had recovered from an early drop to seventh following contact on the opening lap, finishing fifth on the road before initially moving up a place due to a penalty for another driver.
The fallout was immediate. McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella had to postpone the usual post-race media session, and the team later issued a formal apology to both drivers. The incident highlights the razor-thin margins in Formula 1, where even minor technical issues can completely alter the championship landscape.
For Verstappen, this is a lifeline. His dominant win on the streets of Las Vegas now carries extra weight, giving him renewed momentum and keeping the championship battle wide open. For McLaren, it’s a costly misjudgment—a reminder that in F1, success isn’t just about speed on the track, but precision in the pits and compliance with every rule. The stage is now set for a nail-biting finish to the 2025 season.
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