McLaren has issued a formal apology to drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after both were disqualified from their Las Vegas Grand Prix results due to technical infringements. Norris and Piastri initially finished second and fourth, respectively, before the team was called to the stewards regarding a breach in technical regulations.
The Woking-based team was found in violation of Article 3.5.9 of the FIA Technical Regulations, which mandates a minimum thickness of 9mm for the car’s rearmost skid. McLaren’s Car 4 (Norris) exceeded this limit by 0.12mm, while Car 81 (Piastri) was over by 0.26mm.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, explained that both cars experienced extreme porpoising during the race — a phenomenon not observed during practice — which caused greater than expected contact with the track surface. He added that accidental damage sustained during the race likely worsened the skid’s wear.
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“The FIA has acknowledged the breach was accidental with no intent to break the rules,” Stella said. “We apologize to Lando and Oscar for losing valuable championship points after their strong performances this weekend. We also extend our apologies to our partners and fans whose support is invaluable.”
Norris described the disqualification as “frustrating,” acknowledging the team’s struggle to find the right balance but is already focused on the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix. “Losing so many points is tough, but the team will keep pushing. Now, my full focus is on Qatar to deliver the best performance possible,” he stated.
Piastri echoed the disappointment, noting how close the competition is and emphasizing the need to regroup for the season’s final two races, both on circuits favorable to McLaren.
This disqualification has shaken up the Drivers’ World Championship standings. Norris continues to lead with 390 points, followed closely by Piastri just 24 points behind, though Max Verstappen has now caught up to Piastri, making the title fight even tighter. Verstappen capitalized on the Las Vegas race, taking the lead on the first lap and maintaining it to claim victory.
With two races remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, all eyes are on how the championship battle will unfold. Verstappen commented on the challenge ahead, highlighting the difficulty of overcoming the points gap and the role luck can play.
Last season’s race winners—Verstappen in Qatar and Norris in Abu Dhabi—have set the stage for a dramatic season finale. Fans can expect excitement and unpredictability as the drivers vie for the championship in the closing rounds.