McLaren Apologizes to Drivers for Las Vegas DSQ

McLaren has issued an apology to its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following their costly double disqualification at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The team explained that unforeseen and excessive bouncing during the race led to the plank wear infraction, emphasizing that the breach was unintentional and not an attempt to circumvent regulations.

Why it matters:

McLaren's disqualification from the Las Vegas GP, where Norris finished second and Piastri fifth, cost the team crucial points in a tight championship battle. This incident, while declared unintentional by the FIA, highlights the fine margins teams operate within F1's technical regulations and the impact unexpected race conditions can have on results. It also puts more pressure on the team and drivers in the remaining races.

The Details:

• Double Disqualification: Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix results due to excessive plank wear on their cars.
• Race Performance: Norris had finished an impressive second, and Piastri secured a strong fifth place, making the disqualification particularly impactful.
• Team's Explanation: According to Team Principal Andrea Stella, both cars experienced unexpected, high levels of 'porpoising' (bouncing) during the race, which had not been observed in practice sessions.
• Causes of Porpoising: This excessive bouncing led to increased contact with the ground and subsequent plank wear. The team is investigating the exact reasons, including the effect of accidental damage sustained by both cars, which caused increased floor movement.
• FIA Acknowledgment: The FIA stewards noted that the breach was unintentional, with no deliberate attempt to bypass regulations, and acknowledged mitigating circumstances.
• Driver Reactions: Both Norris and Piastri expressed frustration over the loss of points but quickly shifted focus to the upcoming races, aiming to deliver strong performances to compensate.

The Big Picture:

This disqualification has significant implications for the drivers' championship standings. Max Verstappen, who won in Las Vegas, now trails Norris by 24 points and has drawn level with Piastri. This incident adds an extra layer of intensity to the final two races of the season, where every point will be critical for the drivers and their championship aspirations. McLaren's apology underscores the team's responsibility and their commitment to support their drivers in these challenging circumstances.

What's next:

McLaren is now fully focused on the remaining two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The team will thoroughly investigate the causes of the unexpected porpoising and car damage to prevent similar issues. Both Norris and Piastri are determined to reset and deliver strong performances in these crucial final rounds to regain lost ground and finish the season on a high note.