Norris and Piastri disqualified from Las Vegas GP after skid wear breach. A major twist in the title race involving ” drivers.
When a Formula 1 weekend ends, most fans assume the drama wraps up with the chequered flag. But what happens when the real twist unfolds long after the celebrations? That’s exactly what stunned the paddock when Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix following a failed post-race inspection. It was a shockwave moment—one that reshaped the 2025 championship landscape and left fans wondering how such a costly mistake slipped through the cracks.
Post-Race Shock in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas lights had barely dimmed when FIA officials dropped a bombshell: both McLaren cars had failed post-race inspection. What was supposed to be a solid points haul turned into a painful double disqualification.
Norris had finished second, Piastri fourth. But just like a plot twist in a thriller, everything changed behind closed garage doors.
Why Were the McLarens Disqualified?
During routine post-race checks, technical delegates discovered that the rear skid wear on both MCL39 cars fell below the minimum 9mm thickness required under F1’s technical regulations.
In simple terms? The underside of the cars wore down too much.
The FIA measured the skid blocks twice—once during the official check and again in front of McLaren representatives. Both readings confirmed the breach.
Understanding the Skid Block Rule
If you’re thinking, Why does something as small as a skid matter?—think of it like wearing out the soles of your running shoes. If the sole becomes too thin, you’re not just breaking shoe rules; you’re gaining an unfair advantage in grip and speed.
The skid block ensures cars don’t run too low to the ground, which could improve performance. So even if it’s unintentional, it still counts as a rule violation.
McLaren’s Explanation and FIA’s Response
McLaren argued that the breach was triggered by unusual weekend conditions:
- Unexpected porpoising on the Las Vegas circuit
- Reduced running due to poor weather on Day 1
- Shorter practice sessions, giving teams limited setup time
The FIA acknowledged the problem wasn’t intentional—but rules are rules. Even unintentional breaches can impact performance, so both cars were disqualified.
How the Disqualification Shakes Up the Championship
This was more than a technical penalty—it was a championship-altering moment.
- Max Verstappen, already the race winner, gained crucial points and now sits level with Piastri at 366 points.
- Lando Norris remains in the lead with 390 points, but the gap is now only 24 points with just two rounds left.
- A total of 58 points remain across two Grands Prix and one Sprint weekend.
In a title fight this tight, every point matters.
Norris’ Roller-Coaster Las Vegas Weekend
Norris looked like the man to beat, starting from pole. But his race was far from smooth:
- Aggressive battle with Verstappen at Turn 1
- Ran wide and dropped to third
- Recovered to second
- Forced to slow down drastically due to a late-race fuel concern
He later admitted he wasn’t aware of the full issue:
“I don’t know what the issues were… the team told me there were problems and to back off.”
Piastri’s Chaotic Race and Impressive Recovery
Piastri’s race was another story altogether—messy, yet admirable:
- Dropped to P7 on lap one after light contact with Liam Lawson
- Fought his way back with smart strategy
- Stuck behind Kimi Antonelli, whose pace kept Piastri at bay
- Finished 5th before gaining a position due to Antonelli’s penalty
He said afterward:
“A couple of mistakes didn’t help… but strategy really brought our race back to life.”
Similar Infringements Earlier This Season
McLaren aren’t alone. Earlier in the year:
- Lewis Hamilton was disqualified in China
- Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified in Bahrain
Both for the exact same rule violation. It’s becoming a recurring headache for teams dealing with aggressive setups and bumpy circuits.
Could McLaren Have Prevented This?
It’s hard to say. The shortened practice running meant teams struggled to gather data on ride height and wear patterns. But in F1, preparation is everything. One small miscalculation can cost a team points, podiums—even wins.
The Role of Porpoising in the Infringement
Porpoising—the violent bouncing caused by ground-effect aerodynamics—returned unexpectedly at Las Vegas. That bouncing likely caused excess plank wear.
Imagine repeatedly hitting a speed bump at full speed. Your car’s undertray won’t thank you later.
Why the FIA’s Decision Matters
The FIA’s strict stance reinforces an important message:
Even unintentional breaches undermine fair competition.
If the sport allowed “accidental” advantages to slide, teams would push boundaries beyond safety and fairness.
The Impact with Only Two Rounds to Go
With the title fight closer than ever, this verdict places enormous pressure on all three contenders: Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen.
The final two rounds just got a whole lot more dramatic.
Fan Reaction to the Post-Race Twist
Fans were split. Some were furious, others sympathetic. Many simply couldn’t believe how such a promising McLaren weekend spiraled so quickly.
What McLaren Must Do Next
The team must now:
- Re-evaluate setup decisions
- Avoid aggressive ride heights
- Monitor skid wear more precisely
- Ensure no title-ending mishap occurs again
They cannot afford another costly error.
What This Means for the Future of Technical Compliance
Expect stricter monitoring and more cautious setups across the grid. Teams now know that even the slightest breach—intentional or not—will be punished.
Conclusion
The double disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a harsh reminder that in Formula 1, perfection isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. With the title hanging in the balance and only two rounds left, McLaren must regroup fast. As the season reaches its climax, one thing is certain: the fight is far from over.
FAQs
1. Why were Norris and Piastri disqualified from the Las Vegas GP?
Both McLaren cars failed post-race inspection due to excessive skid block wear, falling below the minimum 9mm thickness.
2. Did the FIA believe McLaren intentionally broke the rules?
No. The FIA explicitly stated the breach was unintentional—but still punishable.
3. How does this affect the championship standings?
Verstappen now sits level with Piastri at 366 points, while Norris leads with 390.
4. Did McLaren appeal the decision?
As of now, the decision stands with no indication of an appeal.
5. Has this happened to other teams this season?
Yes, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg were both disqualified earlier this year for the same infringement.
