McLaren Disqualification Drastically Alters 2025 F1 Las Vegas GP Results

The disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from the Las Vegas Grand Prix has dramatically reshaped the final standings of the 50-lap race, significantly impacting both the race results and the drivers' championship.

Why it matters:

McLaren's double disqualification, stemming from technical infringements related to their car's planks, has completely rewritten the points distribution for the Las Vegas GP. This unexpected turn of events has major implications for the drivers' standings, particularly benefiting Max Verstappen in his championship pursuit and shaking up the midfield battle for constructors' points.

The Details:

• Max Verstappen maintains his victory, securing valuable championship points without challenge at the top.
• George Russell is now promoted to second place, moving up from his original third-place finish.
• Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes, initially crossing the line in fourth, now claims third place and a podium finish. His earlier five-second penalty for a false start becomes irrelevant due to McLaren's exclusion.
• Both McLaren MCL39s were found to have planks thinner than the FIA-mandated 9mm, leading to Norris and Piastri's disqualification.
• Charles Leclerc is now elevated to fourth place, with Carlos Sainz (Williams) taking fifth.
• Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman (Haas), who originally finished outside the points in P11 and P12, respectively, now round out the points-paying positions.

The Big Picture:

This ruling has significant ramifications for the F1 Drivers' Championship. While Verstappen's lead is further cemented, the shift in points could influence the tight battles in the midfield. Teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, Williams, and Haas gain unexpected points, which could prove crucial in the Constructors' Championship standings as the season progresses. This incident underscores the FIA's strict technical regulations and the constant vigilance required from teams to ensure compliance.

What's next:

Teams will undoubtedly review their technical compliance procedures following McLaren's disqualification, especially concerning minor infringements that can have major consequences. The adjusted points will force a recalculation of championship strategies for all affected teams, potentially influencing development priorities and tactical approaches in upcoming races. The focus will now shift to how these altered standings affect the remaining races and the ultimate championship outcomes for both drivers and constructors.