Jos Verstappen Blasts McLaren's 'Huge Blunder' After Double DQ in Las Vegas
McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas for excessive plank wear has drawn sharp criticism from Jos Verstappen, who called it a "huge blunder." The incident has significantly tightened the championship race, with Max Verstappen now just 24 points behind Lando Norris. This error puts McLaren under immense pressure as the season heads into its final rounds, raising questions about their setup decisions and the internal dynamics between their drivers.
Jos Verstappen has criticized McLaren following what he called a "huge blunder" in Las Vegas, which resulted in the disqualification of both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The double disqualification, due to excessive plank wear, has intensified the pressure on McLaren and significantly impacted the Drivers' Championship standings, with Max Verstappen now just 24 points behind Norris.
Why it matters:
After initially finishing second and fourth, Norris and Piastri's disqualifications for failing post-race FIA checks highlight a critical misstep by McLaren. This error has not only cost them valuable points but has also put their drivers under immense pressure as the championship battle tightens, especially with Max Verstappen closing in. The incident raises questions about McLaren's operational decisions and their risk assessment on a demanding street circuit.
The Details:
- Double Disqualification: Both McLaren cars were found to have excessive plank wear, falling below the legal minimum thickness of 9 mm, leading to an immediate and unavoidable disqualification.
- Championship Impact: The ruling significantly boosts Max Verstappen's championship hopes, placing him just 24 points behind Norris with two rounds remaining. Piastri also remains 24 points behind Norris.
- Jos Verstappen's Criticism: Jos Verstappen, Max's father and a former F1 driver, labeled McLaren's error a "huge blunder." He questioned the team's decision to run so close to the limit on a street track, especially given the visible sparking from both cars during the race.
- Internal Pressure: Jos also highlighted the growing pressure within McLaren, noting a "clear difference" in how Norris and Piastri navigate corners, suggesting internal dynamics are also under scrutiny.
- Max Verstappen's Reaction: Max Verstappen reportedly learned about the disqualifications before leaving the circuit, positioning him as the main beneficiary of McLaren's misjudgment.
What's next:
The 'huge blunder' in Las Vegas has set the stage for a thrilling climax to the season, particularly in Qatar. Norris can secure the title if he outscores Verstappen and Piastri by two points. However, Verstappen needs strong results in both Qatar and Abu Dhabi to have any chance of catching Norris.
- Jos Verstappen expressed confidence that Max will give his all, stating, "He still has nothing to lose and can go full for the attack. And he will."
- The upcoming races will be crucial for McLaren to demonstrate their ability to recover from such a significant setback and for their drivers to maintain focus amidst increased pressure.
Between the lines:
McLaren's aggressive setup, potentially to maximize performance, ultimately backfired. While pushing the limits is part of F1, this incident underscores the fine line between competitive advantage and regulatory compliance. The visible sparks from the cars should have been a clear warning sign, prompting a more conservative approach or immediate rectification. This miscalculation could be a pivotal moment in the championship, potentially shifting momentum towards Verstappen and Red Bull in the final races.