Norris and Piastri Disqualified from Las Vegas GP After McLaren Cars Fail Post-Race Inspection

McLaren’s drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, faced disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to technical violations. Following the race, both of their MCL39 cars were subjected to inspections. The check revealed that the rear skid blocks did not meet the required minimum thickness of 9mm, violating the technical regulations.

Disqualification Details

The disqualifications were confirmed by race stewards after a thorough review. Norris had finished second, while Piastri had crossed the line in fourth. The disqualification has significant implications for the 2025 Drivers’ Championship standings.

Championship Implications

• Max Verstappen gains critical points, now tied with Piastri at 366 points.
• Norris remains in the lead with 390 points, 24 points ahead.
• Two races remain, with 58 points available before the season concludes.

The stewards reported that both teams’ skid blocks were measured multiple times, consistently showcasing non-compliance with the regulations. They noted, “The rear skids did not comply with the regulations,” despite McLaren’s argument of unforeseen performance issues during the race.

Team Challenges

McLaren cited several contributing factors to their disqualification. Issues included unexpected porpoising during the race, adverse weather affecting testing times, and see shortened practice sessions. However, the stewards concluded that the infractions were unintentional.

Race Highlights

Norris began the race from pole position but quickly faced challenges. He moved aggressively on Verstappen at the start but soon found himself in third place. As the race progressed, he had to conserve fuel towards the end, impacting his final position.

Piastri also experienced a tumultuous race. He fell to P7 early after contact but skillfully maneuvered back into contention. He expressed his satisfaction with the team’s strategic adjustments, despite facing difficulties throughout the race.

Recent Disqualifications Trend

This season, skid block violations have affected multiple drivers. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg faced similar disqualifications at the Chinese and Bahrain Grand Prix. This trend underscores the increasing scrutiny around technical compliance in Formula 1.

With just two races and one Sprint remaining, the championship battle intensifies. The remaining points will be crucial as teams prepare for the final rounds of the 2025 season.