Explained: Why McLaren Duo Could Face Disqualification in Las Vegas GP
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri face potential disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to an alleged technical infringement with their car's floor design. This critical decision could strip them of significant points, profoundly impacting the Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championships as the season draws to a close, with precedents suggesting a tough battle for McLaren to avoid penalties.
The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are facing potential disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a decision that could dramatically impact the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship title race. F1 analyst Craig Slaters highlighted the regulations at play and the severe implications for both drivers and the constructors' standings.
Why it matters:
Disqualification for both McLaren drivers would be a monumental blow to the team's standing in the Constructors' Championship and could significantly alter the individual drivers' championship battles. With critical points at stake in the final races of the season, such a penalty could reshape the narrative for multiple teams and drivers, not just McLaren.
The Details:
- Technical Infringement: The core of the issue stems from a potential technical infringement related to the floor design of both McLaren cars. Stewards reportedly found irregularities in the dimensional conformity of the underbody planks.
- Precedent: Similar technical breaches, such as those seen with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's cars in previous races, have resulted in disqualifications. The FIA's technical directives are clear on these matters, leaving little room for leniency.
- FIA Scrutiny: The FIA's technical delegates performed extensive checks post-race, and the initial findings suggest a non-compliance. This often leads to a hearing where teams must present their case, though overturning a clear technical infringement is rare.
- Impact on Points: Should both drivers be disqualified, the points they earned in Las Vegas would be stripped. For Norris, who finished P4, this would mean losing 12 crucial points. Piastri, who finished P7, would lose 6 points. These points are vital for their respective positions in the Drivers' Championship and for McLaren's fight against rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship.
- Championship Implications: A double disqualification would have a ripple effect. It could move other drivers up in the standings and increase the points gap between McLaren and their direct competitors, potentially solidifying the positions of teams like Ferrari and Mercedes in the Constructor's standings. For the drivers, it could push Norris further away from his goal of finishing top-three in the championship.
What's next:
The FIA stewards will conduct a thorough investigation and hold a hearing with McLaren representatives. The team will have an opportunity to present its defense, but historically, technical non-compliance issues are difficult to contest successfully. The decision is expected before the next race, and its outcome will be a major talking point in the final stages of the F1 season.