McLaren’s Norris and Piastri Disqualified from Las Vegas Grand Prix After Failing Inspection
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a technical infringement. Both cars failed to meet the specified minimum skid block thickness of 9mm during post-race inspections.
Details of the Disqualification
Technical delegates discovered that the rear skid wear on both McLaren MCL39 vehicles fell short of regulations. As a result, both drivers were disqualified, despite Norris having finished in second place and Piastri in fourth.
- Lando Norris: Finished second
- Oscar Piastri: Finished fourth
- Minimum skid thickness: 9mm
Impact on Championship Standings
The disqualification significantly affects the 2025 Drivers’ Championship standings. Max Verstappen, who won the race, is now tied on points with Piastri at 366. Norris leads with 390 points, with only two races remaining in the season.
Reason for Disqualification
The stewards’ report indicated that McLaren’s skid blocks were “measured and found to be below the minimum thickness.” Even after re-measurements in the presence of stewards and McLaren representatives, the results confirmed the non-compliance. McLaren’s argument cited unexpected issues such as porpoising and limited practice opportunities due to weather conditions, but this was dismissed by the stewards.
Previous Infringements
McLaren is not alone in facing similar issues this season. Notable drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg were disqualified earlier in the season for violations involving skid block measurements.
Race Highlights
Norris had started the Las Vegas race from pole position and initially led before dropping to third at Turn 1. He managed to recover to second place but struggled in the final laps due to fuel concerns relayed by his team. Post-race, Norris expressed uncertainty about the issues and indicated a need for further discussion with his team.
Piastri also had a challenging race, dropping to seventh on the first lap after contact with another driver. He managed to climb back to fifth place but faced difficulties overtaking due to grip issues. He praised his team’s strategic efforts during the race.
Looking Ahead
With two Grand Prix and a Sprint remaining, a total of 58 points are still up for grabs. This situation will add intensity to the championship battle as teams and drivers strive for the title.
