McLaren has issued a formal apology to their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following their disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The duo had initially finished in second and fourth places during the race, but McLaren faced scrutiny from race stewards due to potential issues concerning the minimum width of the rearmost skid on their cars.
In a statement released by McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, it was acknowledged that the team had breached Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations, which mandates a minimum skid thickness of 9mm. Car 4 exceeded this requirement by a maximum of 0.12mm, while Car 81 surpassed it by a maximum of 0.26mm.
Stella explained that during the race, both cars encountered unexpected and excessive porpoising, leading to increased contact with the ground. This unusual behavior was not observed during practice sessions and is currently under investigation. Additionally, accidental damage sustained by the cars post-race contributed to increased floor movement.
The team emphasized that the breach was unintentional, with no deliberate attempt to circumvent regulations. McLaren extended their apologies to Norris and Piastri for the loss of points, as well as to their partners and fans for the impact of the disqualification. Despite the setback, McLaren affirmed their focus on the remaining two races of the season.
The disqualification has reshaped the Drivers’ World Championship standings, with Norris maintaining a lead with 390 points, including seven wins and 17 podium finishes. Piastri trails by 24 points in second place, while Max Verstappen has drawn level with the Australian driver, positioning himself as a contender for the title after winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Both Norris and Piastri expressed their disappointment following the disqualification, setting the stage for an intense finale in the 2025 season with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. As the championship contenders gear up for the final races, the outcome remains uncertain, with Verstappen acknowledging the challenge ahead and the need for luck in overturning the gap at the top.
Looking ahead to the upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, all eyes are on the performance of the cars and the resilience of the drivers in the pursuit of victory. The season finale promises excitement and suspense, with Verstappen and McLaren’s Norris poised for a thrilling conclusion to the championship.