McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri face potential disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after their cars were found to have excessive skid block wear, a development that could dramatically reshape the Formula 1 championship battle with only two races remaining.
Following Max Verstappen’s victory in the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the FIA stewards initiated an investigation into both McLaren cars for alleged breaches of technical regulations. The issue centers on the thickness of the rearmost skid blocks, which were measured below the mandatory 9 mm minimum after the race, as reported by the FIA technical delegate. This violation, if confirmed, could lead to the disqualification of both drivers from the event results, nullifying their points.
The FIA technical delegate, Jo Bauer, stated that the measured thickness on cars number 81 (Norris) and 04 (Piastri) was less than 9 mm, contravening Article 3.5.9 e of the technical regulations. This finding was based on checks conducted according to the team’s legality documents submission under Technical Directive TD039. McLaren representatives have been summoned to meet with the stewards to present their case, with a decision expected soon.
In the race, Norris secured a second-place finish, while Piastri came in fourth, results that had initially extended Norris’s championship lead. However, if disqualified, both drivers would forfeit all points from Las Vegas, drastically altering the standings. Norris currently holds a 30-point advantage over teammate Piastri and a 42-point lead over Verstappen, but a disqualification would reduce that lead to just 24 points over Verstappen and bring Piastri level with Verstappen on points.
The championship implications are profound, tightening the title race as the season approaches its climax in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Verstappen’s hopes for a fifth world championship receive a significant boost if the disqualifications stand, while McLaren must navigate increased pressure to protect Norris’s narrowed advantage. This scenario intensifies the strategic decisions for the remaining races, where every point could prove decisive.
This incident is not isolated; earlier in the 2025 season, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix for similar floor wear issues, and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg faced the same penalty in Bahrain. These precedents underscore the FIA’s strict enforcement of technical regulations, leaving little room for leniency in such cases. Teams often push the limits on car setups to gain performance, but miscalculations can lead to severe consequences.
McLaren’s potential error in car setup could have ripple effects beyond this race. If disqualified, the team may need to adjust their approach for the final rounds, possibly running their cars higher to avoid repeat infringements, which could compromise performance on track. This comes at a critical time when optimal car handling is essential to fend off rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari in the constructors’ championship as well.
The outcome of the stewards’ investigation will be pivotal, not only for the drivers’ title hopes but also for McLaren’s reputation and strategy. A disqualification would mark a costly mistake in a season where Norris and Piastri have consistently challenged for wins, highlighting the fine margins in elite motorsport. As the F1 community awaits the verdict, the focus shifts to how McLaren will respond and whether they can maintain their competitive edge under scrutiny.
