McLaren Issue Official Response After FIA Disqualifies Norris and Piastri From Las Vegas Grand Prix
McLaren have spoken publicly for the first time since the FIA delivered a devastating double disqualification to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Las Vegas Grand Prix—a verdict that dramatically reshaped the championship fight and left the British team reeling.
The controversy began shortly after Saturday night’s race when FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer released an inspection report revealing that both McLaren cars had breached Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations. The rule mandates a minimum plank, or skid block, thickness of 9mm. Post-race checks found that Norris’s car fell short by 0.12mm at the rear portion of the skid block, while Piastri’s car exceeded the permitted wear by 0.26mm in the same region.
As a result, the FIA declared both cars illegal, stripping Norris of what had been an impressive second-place finish and removing Piastri from fourth. The ruling not only erased a strong weekend for the McLaren pair but also dealt a heavy blow to their championship aspirations, particularly given the fierce title battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
In their official statement, McLaren expressed disappointment but accepted the FIA’s decision. The team provided additional context, explaining that the excessive skid wear was caused by abnormal behaviour of the car during the race.
According to the team, both MCL38s experienced far more aggressive porpoising than observed in any of the practice sessions. This severe bouncing forced the cars into heavier contact with the track surface, accelerating skid block wear beyond legal limits. McLaren added that the issue may have been worsened by accidental damage, discovered only after the race, which likely compromised the stability and movement of the floor.
The team stressed that the violation was unintentional, a point the FIA also acknowledged. There was no attempt to manipulate the rules or seek an unfair advantage, and the governing body agreed that mitigating factors were present.
Still, the disappointment was obvious.
McLaren issued a direct apology:
“We are deeply sorry to Lando and Oscar for the loss of valuable points, especially at such a crucial stage in their championship campaigns. They delivered outstanding performances throughout the weekend, only for circumstances beyond their control to undo their work.”
They also extended this apology to sponsors and fans, noting that the team’s supporters had been exceptional throughout the season and deserved better than the outcome in Las Vegas.
Despite the setback, McLaren insisted they remain fully committed and focused on the final two race weekends of the season.
Championship Picture Tightens Dramatically
Norris had appeared to strengthen his grip on the championship after finishing second on track in Las Vegas, but the disqualifications have thrown the title race wide open once again. With his rivals removed from the standings, Verstappen’s victory becomes even more significant, cutting his deficit to just 24 points behind Norris. Remarkably, Verstappen is now tied on points with Piastri.
With only two race weekends left—and one of them a sprint weekend offering 33 points—the battle is anything but settled.
The current standings are:
1. Lando Norris – 390 points
2. Oscar Piastri – 366 points
3. Max Verstappen – 366 points
Heading into Qatar, all three drivers remain mathematically in the fight, but momentum appears to be shifting.
Verstappen, the four-time world champion and last year’s title rival to Norris, is now close enough to strike. His recent form has been exceptional, and the psychological pressure this places on Norris will be immense. The Dutchman has built his reputation on performing flawlessly when titles are on the line.
However, McLaren and Norris still have plenty of reasons to stay optimistic. Before the disqualification drama, Norris had been on a phenomenal run of form, winning the previous two grands prix and securing three straight pole positions. On raw pace, he has been the strongest driver in recent weeks.
Piastri, too, has quietly kept himself in the hunt and now sits level with Verstappen. Although more of an outside contender, his consistency and racecraft this season mean he cannot be discounted.
For McLaren, the concern will be whether the FIA ruling upsets Norris’s rhythm at a decisive moment. The team admitted that their unintended breach may have “given Verstappen a scent of blood,” and the psychological swing could be crucial.
With two intense race weekends remaining—and the Qatar sprint offering opportunities to either reclaim lost ground or fall even further behind—the championship is set for a dramatic conclusion.
McLaren may have suffered a painful blow in Las Vegas, but the fight is far from over.
