McLaren has publicly expressed regret to their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following their disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite finishing in second and fourth place in the race, the team faced scrutiny from race officials due to potential issues with the minimum width of the car’s rearmost skid.
In an official statement by McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, it was acknowledged that the team had breached Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations, specifically related to the required 9mm skid thickness. The breach was minimal, with Car 4 exceeding the limit by 0.12mm and Car 81 by 0.26mm.
Stella further explained that during the race, both cars experienced unexpected porpoising, resulting in excessive contact with the ground. The team is investigating the root causes of this behavior, including accidental damage to the cars that increased floor movement post-race.
The FIA recognized that the breach was unintentional, with no deliberate attempt to break the rules, and noted the presence of mitigating circumstances. McLaren extended apologies to Norris and Piastri for the loss of points, as well as to their partners and fans for the inconvenience. Despite the setback, the team remains focused on the remaining races of the season.
The disqualification has reshaped the Drivers’ World Championship, with McLaren having already secured the Constructors’ Championship. Norris leads with 390 points, followed closely by Piastri and Max Verstappen, who now shares second place with the Australian driver.
Both Norris and Piastri expressed disappointment over the disqualification, setting the stage for an intense final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The championship battle promises to be thrilling, with Verstappen emphasizing the need for luck and competitive performance in the upcoming races.
Verstappen’s victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix has added excitement to the season finale, with past winners like Norris and Verstappen ready to face off in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Anticipation is high for the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 season, with unexpected outcomes still in the cards.