Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a breach of technical regulations. Post-race inspections revealed that the planks beneath their McLaren cars were thinner than the required 9mm minimum, indicating an illegal ride height. This resulted in both drivers being excluded from the final race standings.
The disqualification significantly impacts the championship standings, as Max Verstappen claimed victory in the Las Vegas race. With Norris and Piastri’s results nullified, Verstappen now ties in points with Piastri and trails championship leader Norris by 24 points with two races left.
Following the race, both McLaren drivers underwent a hearing with the stewards that commenced in the early morning UK time and concluded in the late hours of the local time, hours after the Grand Prix ended.
Norris, who initially finished second after starting on pole but losing ground to Verstappen, expressed disappointment in his performance. Despite regaining positions, Norris failed to catch Verstappen and now faces a tougher challenge against both his McLaren teammate and the Red Bull driver in the remaining races.
In his post-race remarks before the disqualification, Norris acknowledged his shortcomings and the superior performance of the Red Bull team. He expressed a desire to regroup and improve for the upcoming races, aiming to bounce back starting from the next event in Qatar.