Norris Rejects Ride Height Theory After DSQ, Claims McLaren 'Didn't Take Enough Risk'

Lando Norris has downplayed suggestions that McLaren should become more conservative with ride height after their Las Vegas double disqualification, arguing the team might have not taken enough risks. The British driver emphasized that pushing the limits is essential to compete with Red Bull.

Why it matters:

After a double disqualification in Las Vegas for excessive plank wear, questions arose about McLaren's risk management, especially with Norris still leading the Drivers' Championship but Verstappen closing in. Norris's stance highlights McLaren's commitment to aggressive car development to maintain competitiveness against dominant rivals like Red Bull, rather than retreating into a conservative approach.

The Details:

• Both McLaren MCL39s, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were found with skid blocks below the 9mm limit during post-race FIA inspections at the Las Vegas GP, leading to their disqualification.
• Norris had two illegal measurements, while Piastri had three. This resulted in a forfeiture of valuable points, allowing Max Verstappen to gain significant ground in the championship.
• When asked if McLaren could afford to take ride height risks in the remaining races, Norris responded, "In some ways, you can almost say we didn’t take enough risk." He clarified that the issues made them slower, not quicker.
• Norris stressed the need to push limits: "When you’re in Formula 1, you’re fighting for race wins and everything, you always have to push things to the limit." He added that if McLaren doesn't "put things in the right condition... Red Bull will be quicker than us and they’ll win."
• McLaren team principal Andrea Stella stated confidence that the issues were specific to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit's operating window and characteristics, and that their established car setup methods will lead to an optimal plan for upcoming races.

What's next:

McLaren's focus remains on optimizing performance for the final races, starting with the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar. Norris's determination to push the car to its limits, despite the recent setback, signals an aggressive approach to challenge for race wins and the championship. The team will need to precisely balance performance gains with reliability to avoid further penalties as the season concludes.