McLaren Drivers Norris, Piastri Face Disqualification from Las Vegas GP

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the McLaren teammates and Formula 1 title contenders, are at risk of disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix results due to a skid wear infringement identified during post-race technical inspections. This potential exclusion could dramatically alter the championship standings with just two rounds remaining.

Why it matters:

Norris originally finished second and Piastri fourth in Las Vegas. If disqualified, both drivers would lose valuable points, significantly tightening the championship battle. This development would allow Max Verstappen, who won the race, to close the gap on both McLaren drivers, intensifying the fight for the title in the final two races. A technical infringement, especially concerning car dimensions, is typically a clear-cut issue in F1, often leading to exclusion.

The Details:

• Post-race technical inspections revealed that the rearmost skid on both McLaren cars had a measured thickness of less than 9mm.
• The technical regulations explicitly state a minimum thickness of 9mm for this component.
• Both drivers have been referred to the stewards for this potential breach of technical regulations.
• Impact on Standings (Current vs. Potential Disqualification):
  • Current Standings:
    1. Norris: 408 points
    2. Piastri: 378 points (+30 vs Norris)
    3. Verstappen: 366 points (+42 vs Norris)
  • Standings if McLarens Excluded:
    1. Norris: 390 points
    2. Piastri: 366 points (+24 vs Norris)
    3. Verstappen: 366 points (+24 vs Norris)

The Big Picture:

The potential disqualification would slash Norris's lead to just 24 points over both Piastri and Verstappen. This would be a stark contrast to the 30-point lead over Piastri and 42-point lead over Verstappen that Norris had secured with his second-place finish in Vegas. With 58 points still available across the Qatar Grand Prix (including a sprint race) and the Abu Dhabi finale, the championship would be wide open. This unforeseen turn of events adds immense pressure and excitement to the final stages of the season, creating a three-way battle for the drivers' championship.

What's Next:

The stewards' decision is awaited. If the disqualifications are confirmed, the F1 championship will head into the final two rounds with a highly unpredictable outcome. All eyes will be on Qatar and Abu Dhabi as Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen vie for the ultimate prize in a now much closer contest.