Stella Issues Apology to Norris and Piastri Following Disqualification

McLaren is facing an unfortunate situation following the disqualification of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Team Principal Andrea Stella issued a formal apology to both drivers after the two were disqualified from their second and fourth positions due to significant violations regarding the skid block wear on their cars.

Disqualification Details and Reaction

The incident occurred post-race, as officials found that the skid blocks of both Norris and Piastri’s vehicles were below the required thickness of 9mm. Consequently, the race stewards had no choice but to exclude both drivers from the final classification.

Andrea Stella described the disqualification as “extremely disappointing.” He stated that during the race, both cars suffered from unforeseen high levels of porpoising. This phenomenon was not evident during practice sessions and caused excessive contact with the ground.

Investigation into Car Performance

Stella emphasized that McLaren is investigating the factors contributing to the car’s performance issues. There was also accidental damage identified on both vehicles, believed to have increased the movement of the floor. The team believes that the breach of regulations was unintentional and that existing mitigating circumstances may have influenced the outcome.

• Disqualified Positions:
  • Lando Norris: 2nd
  • Oscar Piastri: 4th
• Skid Block Minimum Thickness: 9mm
• Points Available: 58 across the remaining races

Impact on Championship Standings

As a result of the disqualification, Norris still maintains a 24-point lead over Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship standings. However, he is now on equal footing with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, following Verstappen’s victory in Las Vegas.

With only two races remaining — the Qatar Grand Prix and the final event at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — the stakes remain high for both drivers.

Driver Reactions

Norris expressed his frustration regarding the incident, acknowledging that the team had issues to manage towards the end of the race. He commented on how their efforts to handle the skid block wear ultimately led to the disqualification, resulting in the loss of crucial championship points.

“It’s frustrating to lose so many points,” said Norris. He reiterated the team’s commitment to performance and the need to balance their focus appropriately in future races.

In conclusion, McLaren’s leadership continues to support its drivers and aims to strategize effectively for the final two races of the season. The team remains focused on overcoming these challenges while acknowledging the support of their fans and partners during this difficult time.