McLaren has been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Following an investigation by the FIA, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been removed from the results due to a violation of technical regulations. The wooden plank under the chassis – the so-called skid block – was found to be worn more than 9 millimeters on both cars. Race winner Max Verstappen benefits greatly from the double disqualification; the Dutchman makes a massive comeback in the World Championship.
The decision follows the investigation that FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer had forwarded to the stewards. Just like Lewis Hamilton, who was disqualified earlier this year after the Chinese Grand Prix for the same offense, the FIA found the violation clear enough to completely remove McLaren from the results. As a result, Norris and Piastri lose their respective second and fourth places.
The impact on the World Championship is enormous. Norris, who initially seemed to strengthen his leading position with his second place in Las Vegas, loses 18 points. The Brit still leads, but Max Verstappen – winner in the gambling city – is now really on his heels. The Dutchman is only 24 points behind his title rival and also equals Oscar Piastri, who also maintains a 24-point deficit to his teammate. In the upcoming sprint weekend in Qatar and the season finale in Abu Dhabi, a maximum of 58 points can still be earned.
