McLaren Stripped of Las Vegas Points in Double Disqualification, Reshaping Championship Landscape

Las Vegas, NV – The Formula 1 drivers’ championship battle was dramatically reshaped following a stunning double disqualification for McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The decision, announced hours after the conclusion of the highly anticipated race, nullified what had initially been strong second and fourth-place finishes for the Woking-based outfit, sending shockwaves through the paddock and among the global fanbase.

The core of the infraction centered on a technical non-compliance detected during post-race scrutineering. Both McLaren MCL38 cars were found to have rear skid blocks that failed to meet the minimum thickness requirement stipulated in Article 3.5.9 e) of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations. This regulation mandates that the thickness of the plank, or skid block, measured perpendicular to the lower surface of the plank, must be no less than 9mm at all points when new, and no less than 7mm at the designated measurement holes during post-race inspection. The skid block, a critical component of the car’s underbody, serves to limit the car’s ride height and prevent excessive wear of the floor, thereby controlling aerodynamic performance and ensuring a level playing field. Running a plank thinner than permitted can indicate the car was operating at a lower ride height than intended, potentially generating more downforce and thus a performance advantage.

McLaren’s disqualification immediately elevated other competitors in the final standings. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who had finished third, was promoted to second place, while George Russell of Mercedes moved from fifth to third. The ramifications for the drivers’ championship, however, were far more profound. Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver who secured victory in Las Vegas, saw his points tally significantly boosted relative to his McLaren rivals.

Before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the drivers’ championship stood finely poised. Lando Norris held a narrow lead over Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season with only three rounds remaining. Norris had accumulated 289 points, Piastri 265, and Verstappen 265. McLaren’s strong performance in Sin City, with Norris originally securing 18 points for second place and Piastri 12 for fourth, would have solidified their positions. Instead, the double disqualification meant both drivers lost a combined 30 points.

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In the updated championship standings, the landscape looks dramatically different. Max Verstappen, with his 25 points from the Las Vegas win, now stands at 290 points, drawing level with Oscar Piastri, who remains at 265 points due to the invalidated result. Lando Norris’s lead has been severely eroded, dropping to 24 points over both Verstappen and Piastri, with his total revised to 289 points. This unforeseen turn of events has transformed what was a competitive but somewhat stable points gap into an incredibly tight three-way contest heading into the final two races.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix itself was a spectacle, marking the sport’s much-hyped return to the iconic city. The street circuit presented unique challenges, from cooler evening temperatures impacting tire performance to the long straights and tight corners demanding a balance of top speed and aerodynamic grip. McLaren had shown promising pace throughout the weekend, with both drivers performing strongly in qualifying and carrying that momentum into the race. Their initial finishes were celebrated as a testament to the team’s mid-season resurgence and their drivers’ growing maturity. The subsequent disqualification cast a pall over what had been a positive performance, highlighting the relentless scrutiny and unforgiving nature of Formula 1 technical regulations.

Fan reaction on social media was swift and intense, reflecting the dramatic swing in fortunes. Comments ranged from outright disbelief to scathing criticism of the team’s operational oversight. One fan on Reddit succinctly described the situation as a "colossal f*** up," drawing parallels to historical technical gaffes by other prominent teams, stating, "Welcome to Ferrari tier, McLaren." The comparison to Ferrari, often perceived by fans as prone to strategic or technical missteps, underscored the depth of disappointment. Another fan lamented the sudden shift in championship narrative: "Damnnnnnn, can’t believe we went from ‘Max can be eliminated from the championship this weekend’ to ‘Max is now on equal points as Oscar’."

The sentiment of frustration was palpable, with many questioning the decision-making process within McLaren. "Wow. Imagine taking that kind of risk at this stage of the championship. 5th or 6th would have been fine really," one comment read, implying that the potential performance gain from a thinner skid block was not worth the immense risk given the high stakes. Others expressed sheer bewilderment: "How unbelievably stupid can you be to even risk doing that?" and "I’m actually shocked. I maybe get if they tried it with Oscar as he is 2nd at risk of being 3rd. But Lando just has to not crash out and it’s his. Why the f*** would you do this?" These reactions highlight the perception that the infringement was a preventable error, particularly egregious for a team fighting for a championship.

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella promptly issued a public apology to his drivers, team partners, and the fanbase. In a press release, Stella stated, "We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today, at a critical time in their championship campaigns after two strong performances from them all weekend." He continued, "As a team, we also apologise to our partners and fans, whose support means so much. While this outcome is extremely disappointing, we remain fully focused on the last two races of the season." Stella’s statement underscored the team’s accountability and attempted to project a forward-looking perspective despite the setback. An internal investigation into the precise cause of the non-compliance is expected, examining whether it stemmed from design, manufacturing tolerance, or unexpected wear rates on the unique Las Vegas circuit.

This incident is not without precedent in Formula 1 history. Technical disqualifications for infringements related to car dimensions or components are rare but highly impactful. A notable example is Michael Schumacher’s disqualification from the 1994 Belgian Grand Prix for a plank wear infraction, which significantly impacted his championship battle with Damon Hill. More recently, Charles Leclerc faced disqualification from the 2023 United States Grand Prix after his Ferrari’s floor plank was found to be excessively worn, highlighting the ongoing vigilance required by teams to adhere to these precise technical specifications. Such precedents emphasize the FIA’s stringent enforcement of regulations designed to ensure fair competition and prevent any team from gaining an unfair advantage, however minor.

The focus now shifts immediately to the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for the following week. This event holds added significance as it will feature the final sprint race of the season, offering additional points for the top eight finishers in Saturday’s sprint shootout. The Losail International Circuit in Qatar, known for its high-speed corners and demanding conditions, will provide a fresh challenge. Following Qatar, the season will culminate with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the championship could ultimately be decided.

For McLaren, the Qatar Grand Prix becomes a critical damage limitation exercise. Both Norris and Piastri will need to perform flawlessly to regain lost ground and maintain their championship aspirations. The team’s strategy will likely be under intense scrutiny, as they aim to demonstrate resilience and ensure full technical compliance. The double disqualification has undeniably injected a fresh layer of unpredictability and drama into the final stages of the Formula 1 season, setting the stage for an even more enthralling conclusion to the championship battles.

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Jonas Leo: 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.