McLaren Suggest FIA Rule Review After Las Vegas DSQ as Verstappen Drops Hilarious “F-off” Line
McLaren has stirred fresh debate in the Formula 1 paddock after revealing that the FIA may look into adjusting parts of the technical regulations in the wake of the team’s double disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Team principal Andrea Stella disclosed that discussions are underway within the governing body regarding possible tweaks to rules surrounding skid-block wear — the very issue that stripped Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of their hard-earned race results.
The British outfit’s Las Vegas nightmare began shortly after the chequered flag. Norris had finished a brilliant second, while Piastri crossed the line in a strong fourth, both drivers delivering a vital haul of points in a close championship battle. However, the celebrations were short-lived. Post-race scrutineering revealed that the skid blocks — the wooden “plank” fixed beneath the car to ensure teams maintain legal ride height — had worn more than the permitted limit. This instantly triggered a double disqualification, wiping both drivers from the final classification.
According to Stella, the excessive wear was not the result of an intentional low-ride setup but was instead caused by a combination of track characteristics and unexpected levels of bouncing. The Las Vegas street surface proved harsher than Friday’s data suggested, and both cars reportedly suffered from severe vertical oscillations, causing the floor to hit the ground far more than anticipated. Stella insisted that McLaren had allowed a conservative safety margin during setup, making the post-race finding an unwelcome shock.
The shock has now evolved into a wider conversation. Speaking after the race fallout, Stella claimed the FIA is assessing whether current skid-block regulations adequately account for unpredictable track conditions like those in Vegas. He suggested that the governing body may explore adjustments to how skid-pad wear is measured or monitored, especially in races where surface bumps or extreme temperatures lead to unusual floor behaviour. While Stella stopped short of saying McLaren had formally requested rule revisions, he hinted strongly that the FIA recognizes inconsistencies in how such issues can arise despite teams setting up within safe limits.
This revelation has split opinion. Some within the paddock believe the rules should remain rigid and uncompromising, arguing that every team faces the same regulations and must manage their car accordingly. Others view McLaren’s situation as proof that certain technical rules may not be flexible enough to handle modern race conditions, particularly on newly resurfaced or unusually abrasive circuits.
Amid the controversy, the always-direct Max Verstappen added his own colourful commentary. The reigning world champion, known for his blunt humour, was asked about McLaren’s internal situation — specifically the possibility of the team choosing to prioritise one driver over the other in the title race after the DSQ plunged them into a tighter championship fight. Verstappen brushed off the idea entirely, joking that if he were in their shoes, he would simply tell the team to “f-off” rather than obey any political team orders. His remark quickly spread around the paddock, adding a lighter, comedic twist to an otherwise tense episode.
Verstappen’s comments also underscore how high emotions have run since the Vegas fiasco. With both McLaren drivers losing crucial points, the championship picture has shifted dramatically. What was once McLaren’s comfortable advantage has now become an unpredictable three-way fight. The gap between Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen has narrowed, and with only a few races left in the season, every point is essential. The double DSQ not only cost McLaren race positions but also flipped the momentum toward their rivals.
For now, the FIA has made no official announcement about changes to the skid-block rule, but Stella’s remarks suggest that conversations are happening behind the scenes. Any future modification would have far-reaching effects, as the plank rules have been an integral part of F1’s technical framework since the 1990s, serving as a key method to prevent dangerous low-running setups.
Despite the disappointment, McLaren maintains that the incident was a technical anomaly rather than a setup gamble gone wrong. The team expressed frustration but also optimism that the matter has highlighted areas where the rules may need refinement. As the championship heads into its closing rounds, the Las Vegas disqualification remains one of the most dramatic twists of the season — a moment combining sporting heartbreak, technical controversy, and Verstappen’s now-viral punchline.
