Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both McLaren drivers, were disqualified from the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix after their cars failed post-race technical inspections. The FIA found that the rearmost skid blocks on both McLaren MCL39 cars had worn below the minimum thickness of 9mm, violating technical regulations.
Norris had initially finished second in the race, while Piastri had secured fourth position. Their disqualification significantly impacts the championship standings, with Norris's lead being reduced to 24 points over both Piastri and Max Verstappen, who won the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
With only two races remaining in the 2025 Formula 1 season - in Qatar and Abu Dhabi - and 58 points still available, the title race has tightened considerably. This development has revitalized Verstappen's championship hopes, as he now shares second place with Piastri, both trailing Norris by 24 points.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella apologized to both drivers, attributing the technical violation to unexpected high levels of porpoising during the race, which led to excessive contact with the ground. Stella emphasized that the breach was unintentional and that the team remains focused on the final two races of the season.
The disqualification stemmed from the rearmost skid blocks on both McLaren cars wearing below the minimum thickness requirement of 9mm. Skid blocks are designed to prevent teams from running their cars too low to the ground, and their minimum thickness is strictly regulated to ensure fair competition.
The upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will now be crucial in determining the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion, with the championship battle dramatically reshaped by this unexpected development in Las Vegas.
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