McLaren Faces Potential Disqualification from Las Vegas GP
McLaren is facing potential disqualification from the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix due to alleged technical breaches concerning their vehicles. Both cars, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, reportedly do not meet the required thickness for their rear skid blocks.
Allegations and Regulations
The issue revolves around Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2025 Formula 1 technical regulations. This article mandates that the thickness of the plank assembly must be 10mm ± 0.2mm when new. It also specifies that a wear limit of 9mm is acceptable. The thickness is certified at the edges of designated holes on the plank. The exact extent of the violation by the McLaren cars remains unclear as of now.
Historically, such infringements have led to disqualifications. A recent incident during the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix resulted in a penalty for driver Nico Hulkenberg, who lost his 13th-place finish due to similar issues. If both McLaren vehicles are disqualified, it would significantly alter the current championship landscape.
Impact on Championship Standings
As it stands, Lando Norris leads the championship with a 30-point margin over teammate Oscar Piastri. If both are disqualified, that lead would shrink to 24 points. This scenario would also bolster the title hopes of Max Verstappen, who won the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Currently, Verstappen trails Norris by 42 points, a deficit that would reduce to just 24 points in the event of a disqualification.
A double disqualification would elevate George Russell of Mercedes in the rankings, moving him to second place, while teammate Kimi Antonelli would achieve a third podium finish of the season.
Historical Context of Disqualifications
This incident could mark the fifth and sixth disqualifications in the 2025 season. Previous disqualifications include those of Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly in Shanghai for being underweight, and Lewis Hamilton’s similar issue regarding excessive wear on his rear skid block. However, none of these instances impacted a podium like a potential Vegas disqualification would for Norris.
The last significant disqualification affecting a race winner occurred at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, when Russell’s Mercedes finished first but was later found to be underweight.
Summary
- McLaren’s potential disqualification concerns rear skid block thickness.
- Both Norris and Piastri’s results are at risk post-Las Vegas GP.
- Disqualification could narrow Norris’s championship lead significantly.
- Historical context shows disqualifications are not uncommon this season.
The outcome of this scrutiny will be critical not just for McLaren, but also for the drivers competing for the championship title. It emphasizes the strict technical standards upheld in Formula 1 and their implications on the race results and championship standings.
