FIA launches major post-race inspection as Verstappen among EIGHT drivers checked after Las Vegas GP drama
The fallout from the Las Vegas Grand Prix has continued to shake the Formula 1 paddock, with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull becoming one of eight cars subjected to thorough FIA inspection following McLaren’s double disqualification. What began as a brilliant race night under the Vegas lights quickly transformed into a regulatory storm as title contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were thrown out of the final classification.
Norris originally crossed the line in second place while Piastri finished fourth, both crucial results in an incredibly tight three-way championship fight. However, shortly after the chequered flag, FIA scrutineers flagged both McLaren cars for non-compliant skid block wear, with readings coming in below the minimum thickness mandated by the regulations. This instantly triggered a formal investigation and required the team to meet with the stewards.
After hours of uncertainty and tension, the verdict landed: both Norris and Piastri were disqualified. The ruling stripped away their hard-earned points and changed the complexion of the 2025 title race completely. For Max Verstappen, who had already claimed the win on the track, the disqualifications unexpectedly pulled him level with Piastri in the standings. Both drivers now sit just 24 points behind championship leader Norris as the grid heads to Qatar for the penultimate round.
FIA widens the scope: Eight more cars inspected
With such significant consequences stemming from the plank wear breaches, the FIA extended the inspection to the remaining top-10 finishers. The governing body confirmed that, in addition to the three cars initially checked — those of Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen — a further seven machines were examined to ensure no other out-of-compliance entries had slipped through the cracks.
The expanded list of inspected cars included those of Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Carlos Sainz, and Nico Hulkenberg. All underwent checks for plank thickness and skid wear, two components that can be heavily influenced by track bumps, low ride heights, and aggressive setups.
In the FIA’s official note, the federation stated: “Apart from the skid wear of cars 81 (Piastri) and 04 (Norris), all car weights and items checked were found to conform with the 2025 FIA Formula One Technical Regulations.” This cleared the rest of the top-10 finishers, making McLaren the sole team to fall foul of last weekend’s rules.
McLaren reacts: Stella apologises to drivers and fans
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed deep disappointment and publicly apologised to both drivers, acknowledging how damaging the timing of the disqualification was given the intensity of the championship battle.
“We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today at such a critical point in their campaigns,” Stella said. “They performed strongly all weekend, and as a team we must take responsibility. We also apologise to our partners and fans whose support means so much to us.”
Stella’s comments underline the frustration within the McLaren camp, especially considering both drivers have been consistently strong contenders throughout the season.
Drivers respond: frustration for Norris, motivation for Piastri
Norris, who has led the standings for much of the campaign, admitted the decision was “frustrating,” especially given how strong his pace had been across the Las Vegas weekend. The Brit now faces immense pressure heading into Lusail, where the title fight could tilt in any direction.
Piastri, on the other hand, attempted to take a more optimistic approach despite the setback. The Australian noted that the disqualification, counterintuitively, reduced the margin between himself and Norris, keeping him firmly in the hunt.
“Now we need to reset, refocus, and push for the best possible results in the final two rounds,” Piastri said. “These next tracks are places where we’ve shown strong performances before, so we must maximise every opportunity.”
Driver standings tighten ahead of Qatar
The standings after Las Vegas now show one of the closest championship battles in years:
1st: Lando Norris – 390 points
2nd: Oscar Piastri – 366 points
3rd: Max Verstappen – 366 points
With only Qatar and Abu Dhabi left on the calendar, the 2025 title race is set for a dramatic climax. The consequences of the Las Vegas disqualification may well define the story of this season, and all eyes now turn to Lusail — where the next chapter of this gripping three-way duel is set to unfold.
