F1: McLaren's strong showing at the Las Vegas Grand Prix unravelled hours after the chequered flag, as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified for failing post-race technical inspections.
What initially looked like a significant haul of points-Norris finishing second and Piastri fourth on the road-turned into a major setback for the team in the late stages of the 2025 Formula 1 title race.
Technical delegates discovered that the rearmost skid plank on both MCL39 cars had worn below the mandated 9mm limit. The violation, automatically forwarded to the stewards, resulted in the removal of both drivers from the official classification. Despite McLaren presenting "mitigating circumstances" such as unexpected porpoising, disrupted running due to poor weather on Day 1, and shortened practice time, the stewards upheld the decision.
However, the FIA acknowledged McLaren's issue was not an attempt to exploit the rules, noting it "strongly held the view that the breach was unintentional and that there was not a deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations. "
This is not the first time plank wear infringements have shaped a race weekend this season, with Lewis Hamilton and Nico HÜlkenberg previously disqualified in China and Bahrain for similar offences.
The timing of the setback could not be worse for McLaren. With only two Grands Prix and a Sprint left, 58 championship points remain available-leaving the title fight finely balanced.
Norris had started from pole and initially fought aggressively into Turn 1, forcing Max Verstappen off line before sliding to third after running wide. His pace faded dramatically in the closing stages as the team instructed him to manage a developing fuel concern. "I don't know what the issues were. The team just told me there were some problems and they were telling me to back off. So that's something I'll go and speak to them about in a bit," Norris said before the disqualification was announced.
Piastri's race was equally eventful. Dropping to seventh after opening-lap contact with Liam Lawson, he climbed to a provisional fourth before penalties reshuffled the order. "I think first lap was eventful to say the least. That made life pretty tough but a bit of a feeling of more on the table," Piastri reflected.
