McLaren Drivers Face Potential Las Vegas GP Disqualification
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri face potential disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to their cars reportedly failing post-race inspections for illegal skid block wear. This technical infringement, if confirmed, would strip them of their P2 and P4 finishes, severely impacting their championship standings and highlighting the FIA's strict enforcement of regulations.
McLaren's impressive Las Vegas Grand Prix results, featuring Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing P2 and P4, are under threat. Both cars reportedly failed to meet the minimum thickness requirement for the rear skid block, a violation that could lead to disqualification and significantly impact the championship standings.
Why it matters:
McLaren's potential disqualification would be a major blow, erasing significant points gained in Las Vegas and impacting both drivers' championship campaigns. This incident highlights the FIA's strict enforcement of technical regulations, even when it affects high-profile results and the championship battle. A dual disqualification would give rivals a substantial advantage and could further consolidate Max Verstappen's title bid.
The details:
- Post-race checks revealed that both MCL60s failed to meet the minimum thickness requirement for the rear skid block.
- According to Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2025 technical rules, the plank must be 10mm ± 0.2mm when new, with a minimum of 9mm allowed after race wear. Exceeding this limit almost always results in disqualification.
- Season of Scrutiny: This season has seen multiple post-race exclusions for technical breaches:
- Three cars were disqualified in Shanghai for being 1kg underweight (including Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly).
- Lewis Hamilton lost his Chinese Grand Prix finish due to excessive skid-block wear.
- Nico Hulkenberg's Sauber was disqualified in Bahrain for the same rear skid block thickness issue.
- Norris's P2 finish was a particularly high-profile result, making this potential disqualification a significant event. The last time a podium finisher was disqualified for a similar infraction was two years ago when George Russell lost his 2024 Belgian Grand Prix victory for an underweight car. Lewis Hamilton also lost a US Grand Prix podium in 2023 for excessive skid-block wear.
The big picture:
The timing of this potential rule breach couldn't be worse for McLaren. Norris's second place had strengthened his title campaign, and Piastri's fourth helped maintain pressure in the standings. A dual disqualification would erase this progress, handing significant points to rivals and drastically improving Max Verstappen's championship position. The FIA's uncompromising stance on technical regulations, particularly plank wear, continues to shape the outcomes of races and has already led to several high-profile exclusions this season.
What's next:
McLaren's fate now rests with the stewards, who will confirm the breach and determine the penalty. If confirmed, this incident could redefine McLaren's season, transforming a strong Las Vegas performance into one of the most damaging technical violations in recent F1 history.