McLaren Responds to Double Las Vegas GP Disqualification

McLaren has responded to the disqualification of both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive skid plank wear. The team cited unexpected porpoising and accidental damage as contributing factors, apologizing to its drivers, partners, and fans for the 'extremely disappointing' outcome.

Why it matters:

McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas is a significant setback, costing them crucial points in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. This incident underscores the tight margins and technical scrutiny in Formula 1, where even minor breaches can have major competitive consequences. For a team that has shown strong performance this season, losing points due to a technicality is a blow to their momentum and championship aspirations.

The Details:

• Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race inspections found their car's skid planks had excessive wear, falling below the mandated 9mm thickness.
• Norris, who originally finished second, had his plank measured 0.12mm and 0.07mm too thin at various points.
• Piastri, who initially finished fourth (later promoted to fifth due to a penalty for another driver), had his plank measured 0.04mm and 0.26mm below the required thickness.
• Team Principal Andrea Stella's Explanation: Stella stated that both cars experienced "unexpected, high levels of porpoising" during the race, which was not observed in practice sessions.
  • This porpoising led to increased contact with the ground, resulting in the excessive plank wear.
  • The team also found "accidental damage sustained by both cars" after the race, which contributed to increased floor movement.
• Stella emphasized that the breach was unintentional, and there was "no deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations."
• McLaren apologized to Norris and Piastri for the loss of points "at a critical time in their Championship campaigns" and also extended apologies to partners and fans.

The Big Picture:

This incident occurred at a crucial juncture, as both Norris and Piastri were delivering strong performances. Norris had secured a second-place finish, and Piastri had battled his way to a strong points position. The lost points not only affect their individual standings but also impact McLaren's position in the Constructors' Championship battle. The team's immediate focus shifts to understanding and preventing such issues in the final two races, as consistency and reliability are paramount in the competitive F1 season.

What's next:

Mclaren is currently investigating the exact reasons for the unexpected porpoising and the accidental damage to prevent similar issues in the upcoming races. While the team acknowledged the disappointment, they remain focused on the remaining two races of the season. The technical investigation will be key to ensuring compliance and maintaining their competitive edge moving forward.