Jonas Leo
Support for Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship has seen a significant surge following a dramatic turn of events at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were both disqualified. This unforeseen development has profoundly reshaped the championship standings, intensifying the title battle with only two rounds remaining in the season.
The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix saw Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen deliver a characteristic performance of controlled aggression and strategic brilliance, securing a hard-fought victory under the city’s iconic lights. While Verstappen celebrated his triumph, the immediate focus shifted to McLaren, who had initially enjoyed a stellar outing. Lando Norris had crossed the finish line in a provisional second place, with his teammate Oscar Piastri following closely in fourth. These strong results were poised to significantly bolster Norris’s position as the championship leader and enhance McLaren’s burgeoning momentum.
However, post-race technical inspections by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) revealed a critical infringement. Both McLaren cars, the MCL38s driven by Norris and Piastri, were found to have excessive wear on their under-floor planks. The plank, a mandatory component made of a specific material (often a lignum vitae composite) and positioned along the car’s centerline, is designed to prevent teams from running their cars too low to the track surface. Formula 1 regulations stipulate a minimum thickness for this skid block, and any wear exceeding 1mm from the original 10mm thickness is deemed a technical breach. The purpose of this rule is twofold: to ensure driver safety by preventing the car from bottoming out excessively and to maintain a level playing field by limiting aerodynamic advantages gained from extreme low ride heights, which can generate significant "ground effect" downforce. The stewards, after reviewing the technical report, had no alternative but to disqualify both Norris and Piastri from the race results. This decision erased all points earned by McLaren in Las Vegas, converting what seemed like a highly successful weekend into a major setback.
The immediate ramifications for the championship were profound. Prior to the disqualifications, Norris, with his provisional second-place finish, had temporarily extended his lead over Piastri to 30 points, a comfortable margin with few races remaining. The official removal of his 18 points, coupled with Piastri’s lost 12 points, drastically altered the dynamic. As a result, Lando Norris now heads into the final two rounds of the season with a reduced lead of just 24 points over Oscar Piastri. Crucially, the outcome also brought Max Verstappen, whose 25 points for victory remained intact, level on points with Piastri. This unexpected equalization in points between Verstappen and Piastri means the fight for the top positions has become significantly tighter and more unpredictable.
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The shift in points was immediately reflected in public and expert commentary. On platforms such as Motorsport.com, fan predictions for the championship winner underwent a noticeable change. A substantial majority of respondents now expressed heightened confidence in Verstappen’s prospects, recognizing the valuable ground he gained without direct on-track competition. Despite the penalty, Norris still commanded significant support, indicating the perceived strength of his and McLaren’s overall package, but the championship narrative undeniably swung in Verstappen’s favor.
Reflecting on his performance and the broader championship picture before the disqualifications were announced, Max Verstappen maintained a pragmatic and focused outlook. "It’s still a big gap but we always just try to maximise everything that we’ve got and this weekend that was first," the Dutch driver stated, acknowledging the point deficit he faced at that time. His comments underscored his consistent approach to race weekends, prioritizing optimal performance in every session. "In the upcoming weekends we will try to win the race and at the end of Abu Dhabi we will see where we end up." This statement highlights a philosophy centered on individual race victories accumulating towards a championship goal, rather than focusing solely on the points tally.
Verstappen also shared insights into his team’s journey throughout the season, emphasizing resilience and continuous improvement. "I’m very proud of everyone. We’ve had a really up and down season and tough times but also really beautiful moments," he remarked, a testament to the challenges and breakthroughs experienced by Red Bull Racing. He stressed the importance of learning: "We learned a lot throughout the season and that’s very valuable for the upcoming years." This forward-thinking perspective suggests that the team’s efforts extend beyond immediate championship aspirations, aiming for sustained success. "It’s something we’ll cling on to and improve even more to come back stronger for next season and put up a fight from the start of the year in the championship. We are enjoying it now and will see next week what we can do." His remarks illustrate the relentless pursuit of perfection that characterizes top-tier motorsport teams.
The 2024 Formula 1 season has been marked by compelling narratives, and the drivers’ championship has been a standout for its fluctuating fortunes. Max Verstappen, despite the "big gap" he referenced, has consistently demonstrated his exceptional talent and the robust performance of his Red Bull chassis, often converting pole positions into victories. McLaren, under the leadership of team principal Andrea Stella, has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, transforming their car into a genuine contender after a challenging start to the season. Both Lando Norris, known for his consistent podium finishes and strategic race craft, and Oscar Piastri, an impressive rookie who has quickly adapted to Formula 1, have been instrumental in McLaren’s resurgence. Their intra-team battle for championship supremacy has added an exciting layer to the season, pushing each driver to their limits.
With the Las Vegas drama now behind them, the Formula 1 season barrels towards its thrilling conclusion. Two Grand Prix events and one Sprint Race remain, offering a maximum of 58 points for a driver who can win both feature races and the Sprint (25 points per GP win, 8 points for Sprint win, plus potential fastest lap points). This substantial number of available points means that the current 24-point gap separating Norris from Verstappen and Piastri is far from insurmountable, ensuring a nail-biting finish.
The teams will now pack up and head to the Middle East for the Qatar Grand Prix, held at the Lusail International Circuit. Known for its high-speed corners and demanding conditions, Qatar will present a significant challenge for drivers and engineers alike. Following this, the season will culminate in the traditional finale at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, a track famous for its twilight racing and complex layout. These two circuits are poised to serve as the ultimate battlegrounds where the drivers’ championship will finally be decided, with the Las Vegas technical infringement adding an unexpected layer of tension and opportunity to the closing stages of the season.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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