Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced a setback in their Formula One careers as they were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, putting them in a rare group in F1. Norris had finished behind Max Verstappen, while Piastri secured fourth place. However, both drivers were disqualified due to a technical violation when their cars failed post-race inspections, revealing that the planks under their McLaren vehicles were too thin, leading to an illegally low ride height.
This disqualification from the 22nd race of the 2025 season not only affected their standings but also brought Verstappen neck and neck with Piastri in points. With only three races left, the reigning champion is now trailing Norris by 24 points, setting the stage for an intense season finale.
This incident marked the first disqualification for Norris and Piastri in their F1 careers, joining a small group of drivers who have faced similar penalties. Notably, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were also disqualified earlier in the year. The disqualifications have added an extra layer of drama to the ongoing F1 season.
In other news, Sky has announced a price cut on its TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering a wide range of live matches, including 215 live Premier League games. Additionally, drivers like Leclerc and Gasly have faced disqualifications for technical infractions, emphasizing the strict regulations in F1.
Nico Hulkenberg, after 15 years in F1, experienced his first disqualification at the Bahrain Grand Prix, echoing past incidents involving skid block wear violations. Disqualifications, although rare, have had significant impacts on drivers like George Russell and Esteban Ocon in the past, showcasing the stringent enforcement of rules in the sport.