BREAKING: McLaren’s Double Disaster😭 Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri Cars has been Disqualified by… Read more

BREAKING: McLaren’s Double Disaster at the Las Vegas Grand Prix — Norris and Piastri Disqualified After Technical Breach

 

In a stunning and dramatic twist at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, both McLaren Formula 1 cars driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the race, dealing a significant blow to the team and reshaping the Formula 1 drivers’ championship fight. The disqualifications came after post-race scrutineering found that the rearmost skid blocks on both cars were worn below the minimum thickness required by the FIA’s technical regulations.

 

How the Disqualification Happened

 

After the chequered flag fell in Las Vegas, where Norris originally finished second and Piastri fourth, both McLaren cars were subjected to routine post-race inspection by FIA officials. These checks revealed that the thickness of the rearmost portion of the plank — also known as the skid block — had worn down beyond the permitted limit. According to the rules set out in Article 3.5.9 e) of the Formula 1 Technical Regulations, the plank assembly must measure at least 9.00 mm in thickness once the race is complete, although it may be fitted at 10 mm ± 0.2 mm when new.

 

Official measurements showed that both cars fell short of this minimum. The FIA stewards confirmed using a high-precision micrometer that the rearmost skid blocks were below 9 mm, triggering an automatic breach of the technical regulations and resulting in the disqualification of both McLarens from the final classification — a punishment that standardly carries exclusion from the race itself.

 

The Technical Rule and Its Purpose

 

The plank — a wooden or composite strip situated centrally under the car’s floor — is a critical safety regulation. It prevents teams from running cars too low to the ground, a setup that can generate aerodynamic advantage and increase downforce but also risks safety and structural integrity. The rule limits wear to no more than 1 mm of material loss over the course of a race, and any greater degree of wear is considered a technical infringement.

 

McLaren argued to the stewards that the excessive wear was unintentional, pointing to factors such as unexpected porpoising (bouncing) during the race and limited dry-weather practice sessions in Las Vegas that prevented the team from dialing in optimal ride height and plank protection. However, the FIA noted that, despite these mitigating circumstances, there is no provision in the regulations for a reduced penalty in such cases — meaning disqualification is mandatory for this type of breach.

 

Significance and Championship Impact

 

The double disqualification is historic — the first time McLaren has lost both cars in a single race due to disqualification — and it drastically alters the landscape of the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship. With Norris stripped of his second-place finish and Piastri losing his fourth place, Max Verstappen is now positioned as the Las Vegas Grand Prix winner, and the points swing significantly tightens the title fight heading into the season’s final rounds.

 

Before Las Vegas, Norris had built a healthy championship lead, but after the disqualification, his buffer has been cut dramatically. Verstappen, who crossed the line first on the night, now extends his title challenge, while Piastri’s championship hopes have also taken a hit following the loss of points.

 

Reactions from the Drivers and Team

 

In their own statements following the decision, both drivers expressed disappointment:

 

Lando Norris described the outcome as “a frustrating end to today,” lamenting the loss of hard-earned points and emphasising the team’s commitment to refocusing for the closing races.

 

Oscar Piastri echoed the sentiment, noting the disappointment of leaving Las Vegas without any points after what had been a strong weekend performance.

 

 

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also expressed regret over the outcome, acknowledging the severity of the breach while categorising it as an unfortunate error rather than a deliberate attempt to flout regulations. He reiterated the team’s intent to learn from the mistake and move forward with renewed focus.

 

What’s Next for McLaren?

 

Looking ahead, McLaren now faces a crucial juncture in the 2025 season. With only two races remaining — likely in Qatar and Abu Dhabi — the team must regroup to salvage what remains of both the drivers’ and constructors’ championship campaigns. Technical updates and strategy adjustments will be key as McLaren seeks to avoid a repeat of the plank wear issues that proved so costly in Las Vegas.

 

As the paddock digests this unprecedented double disqualification, the title fight has been reignited and uncertainty has returned to the Formula 1 championship — a reminder that in this sport, marginal gains and minute technical details can have massive repercussions.

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