LAS VEGAS, USA – Championship leader Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix following technical infringements discovered after Sunday’s race.
Both drivers were stripped of their results after post-race inspections revealed that the skid blocks on their cars fell below the mandatory minimum depth requirements set by the FIA.
The disqualification represents a significant blow to McLaren’s championship ambitions, with Norris having crossed the line in second place behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, whilst Piastri had secured fourth position.
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The penalty reshuffles the championship standings heading into the penultimate race weekend in Qatar, leaving Norris 24 points clear of both Piastri and Verstappen with just two rounds remaining.
With a maximum of 58 points available across the final two grands prix, Norris remains in a commanding position to claim his maiden world title. The Briton needs to outscore both rivals by just two points during next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix weekend, which includes a sprint race, to secure the championship.
However, Verstappen’s hopes of claiming a fifth consecutive drivers’ title now rest on McLaren suffering another significant setback, similar to the technical violations that cost themcrucial points in Las Vegas.
The disqualifications mark a dramatic turn in what has been a closely contested championship battle between the three drivers as the season approaches its conclusion.
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