McLaren's Las Vegas GP Disqualification Aftermath & Horner to Aston Martin Rumors

McLaren faced a double disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's cars failing post-race technical inspections due to excessive plank wear. This decision significantly impacted the championship standings and has sparked considerable discussion within the F1 paddock.

Why it matters:

• McLaren's disqualification for technical infringements, specifically Article 3.5.9 of the technical rules regarding skid block thickness, highlights the FIA's strict enforcement of regulations and the fine margins teams operate within.
• The incident led to a dramatic shake-up in the championship battle, narrowing the gap between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, and reigniting the title fight.

The Details:

• Plank Wear Infringement: Both MCL39 cars driven by Norris and Piastri were found to have skid blocks below the minimum 9mm thickness after the Las Vegas GP, leading to their disqualification.
• McLaren's Defense: McLaren presented multiple arguments to the stewards to appeal the penalties, but none were deemed sufficient to overturn the disqualifications.
• Championship Impact: The disqualifications directly affected the drivers' championship, significantly reducing Norris's lead over Verstappen and injecting fresh intensity into the title race.

What's next:

• The FIA's firm stance reinforces the importance of meticulous car compliance for all teams. While McLaren's appeal failed, the team will undoubtedly be reviewing its processes to prevent future recurrences.
• The championship battle is now tighter, promising more excitement as the season progresses. McLaren will need to quickly rebound from this setback to maintain their challenge.

Rumors: Christian Horner to Aston Martin?

• Leadership Changes at Aston Martin: Following the departure of a former Mercedes figure as CEO, Aston Martin is reportedly considering several high-profile names for their new Team Principal and CEO roles.
• Horner as a Candidate: Christian Horner, previously dismissed from Red Bull Racing, has emerged as a potential candidate for Aston Martin's top leadership positions.
• Gardening Leave: Horner is reportedly serving a period of gardening leave, which could delay his start at any new team until mid-2026.