Norris and Piastri Disqualified from Vegas GP Amid Skid Block Infringement
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive rear skid block wear, a critical infringement. This decision, despite being deemed unintentional by the FIA, has dramatically impacted the 2025 F1 drivers' championship, significantly closing the gap between Norris, Piastri, and Max Verstappen, and reshuffling the race results for multiple teams.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been excluded from the results of Formula 1's Las Vegas Grand Prix, a major twist in the 2025 F1 title battle. Both drivers were stripped of their second and fourth-place finishes, respectively, due to a rear skid block wear infringement, with the measured thickness falling below the required 9mm minimum.
Why it matters:
After clinching the constructors' championship in Singapore, McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas significantly jeopardizes their lead in the drivers' championship. This incident has created a massive points swing in favor of Max Verstappen, intensifying the battle for the individual driver's title and reshaping the championship narrative for 2025.
The details:
- Infringement Details: Both McLaren cars were found with rear skid blocks that measured less than the mandatory 9mm thickness. Initial measurements by technical delegate Jo Bauer were confirmed, and even lower, during a re-measurement in the presence of stewards and McLaren representatives.
- McLaren's Argument: McLaren cited 'additional and unexpected porpoising' in Vegas, along with prior disruptions to practice, as mitigating factors. They also argued that the degree of the breach was lower than previous similar infringements in 2025.
- Stewards' Ruling: While the FIA acknowledged the breach was unintentional, both the FIA and the stewards concluded that there was no regulatory provision or precedent for any penalty other than disqualification. They also dismissed McLaren's claim that 'potentially accidental damage' from the Turn 1 collision (especially with Piastri's car) could have caused additional wear.
- New Vegas GP Top 10: The disqualifications have significantly altered the race results:
- Verstappen
- Russell
- Antonelli
- Leclerc
- Sainz
- Hadjar
- Hulkenberg
- Hamilton
- Ocon
- Bearman
By the numbers:
- Drivers' Standings Post-DSQ:
- Norris: 390 points (down from 408)
- Piastri: 366 points (down from 378)
- Verstappen: 366 points (up from 324, based on pre-race standings, and 366 with race win)
- Points Swing: The double disqualification brought Piastri and Verstappen level on points, making the drivers' championship a much tighter contest.
- Constructors' Impact: While McLaren's constructors' title is secured, Mercedes now holds a 40-point lead over Red Bull in the battle for second place. Ferrari is 13 points further back. Haas also moved one point ahead of Aston Martin in the constructors' standings, while Sauber closed the gap to both.
- Kimi Antonelli's Podium: Antonelli inherited a third-place podium finish, despite a five-second penalty for a jump start, significantly boosting Mercedes' points haul.
What's next:
This dramatic turn of events sets the stage for a fiercely contested drivers' championship in the remainder of the 2025 season. McLaren will need to swiftly address the underlying issues that led to the skid block wear to avoid further penalties and consolidate their drivers' positions. The increased competition will undoubtedly add to the excitement as the season progresses.