Lando Norris and Oscar Plastri, the two McLaren drivers, were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after their cars were found to have violated technical regulations. Norris finished second, and Plastri fourth in Las Vegas. A technical inspection revealed that the rearmost skids of both McLaren cars failed to meet the required 9mm minimum. The matter was referred to the stewards, and a document stated:
“Measured and found to be below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.”
The skids were re-measured with stewards and McLaren representatives present. After rejecting McLaren’s explanation for the error, the FIA issued a statement:
“The FIA noted that it strongly held the view that the breach was unintentional and that there was not a deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations.”
Losing the Lead
With both drivers disqualified, Max Verstappen, who finished first, has closed in on Plastri in points. Verstappen is now just 24 points behind Norris’s 390 and tied with Plastri at 366. A total of 58 points remain available across two Grands Prix and one sprint in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The 2025 winner will be decided in the next two weeks. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg were also disqualified in China and Bahrain for skid issues.
The Circumstances
Leading up to a race, constant modifications aim to maximize performance. The McLaren team was unable to complete their second practice, missing crucial data, and rain affected the last practice session. During the race, issues arose resulting in another disqualification. Norris was advised to alter his driving to reduce skid damage.
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