McLaren Drivers Face Disqualification from Las Vegas GP

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are on the brink of disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after their cars were found to have excessive plank wear. This technical infringement, confirmed by the FIA, could significantly impact the championship standings as the season heads towards its climax.

Why it matters:

McLaren's potential double disqualification in Las Vegas marks a rare and critical moment for the team, with substantial implications for the Constructors' and Drivers' championships. Technical infringements, especially those concerning car legality, are taken very seriously by the FIA and seldom overturned, making this a pivotal decision that could reshape the narrative of the ongoing F1 season.

The details:

• Plank Wear Infraction: Post-race inspections by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer revealed that the plank wear on both Norris' and Piastri's cars was below the minimum thickness mandated by regulations. This technical breach is a critical safety and performance measure.
• Race Context for Norris: During the final laps of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lando Norris was observed implementing extreme fuel-saving measures. This led to a significant drop in his pace, extending his gap to winner Max Verstappen from six seconds to 20.7 seconds by the checkered flag, while only narrowly staying three seconds ahead of George Russell.
• FIA Confirmation: Following initial rumors of an investigation, the FIA officially confirmed the findings, signaling that disqualification is highly likely for both McLaren drivers. Technical breaches of this nature are rarely overturned, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The big picture:

This potential double disqualification for McLaren would be an unprecedented event for the team, shaking up the championship race significantly. With Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen currently separated by a narrow margin, the loss of points for McLaren could dramatically alter the momentum for the final races of the season. The stewards' final decision will be closely watched, as it could have a lasting impact on how this F1 season is remembered.

What's next:

• The FIA stewards are expected to issue an official ruling on the disqualifications soon. If confirmed, this would be the first-ever double disqualification for McLaren in a Grand Prix.
• The championship points standings would see a major shift: Norris would remain at 390 points, Piastri at 366, and Verstappen also at 366 points heading into the Qatar Grand Prix. This scenario would leave a mere 24 points separating the trio with only 58 points remaining to be contested.
• All eyes will be on how McLaren responds to this setback and how the teams adapt their strategies for the remaining races of the season, especially concerning car setups and adherence to technical regulations to avoid similar issues.