Lando Norris’s Austrian Grand Prix Win Under Threat Amid FIA Plank Wear Concerns
Lando Norris’s stunning victory at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix could be in jeopardy after Sky Sports F1 pundit Anthony Davidson raised concerns about a potential technical violation involving McLaren’s car. Despite leading McLaren to an impressive one-two finish ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris may now face scrutiny over possible excessive wear on the car’s underfloor plank — a breach that could result in disqualification if proven.
Norris delivered a commanding performance at the Red Bull Ring, boosting his championship hopes and closing the gap to Piastri. But in the aftermath of the race, Davidson pointed out a worrying detail during the Sky Sports post-race analysis. He noted a persistent plume of dust trailing from underneath Norris’s car throughout the race. According to Davidson, this dust could be caused by the resin plank located at the bottom of the car scraping the track — possibly more than what is legally allowed by FIA regulations.
The underfloor plank, often referred to as the skid block, is a critical part of the car’s structure that the FIA uses to regulate ride height. It’s designed to wear down slightly during a race, but only within a strict limit. If a car’s plank wears down more than the permitted amount, it means the car was likely running too low — giving it an aerodynamic advantage by increasing downforce. Exceeding this limit is considered a serious offense and typically leads to an automatic disqualification. This was the case in the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc lost their podium finishes due to excessive plank wear.
Davidson, analyzing footage during the broadcast, explained: “What really caught my attention was that cloud of dust that seemed to follow Lando’s car around the circuit. You usually see scrape marks from the plank, but this seemed more intense. It looked like the resin was being worn away at a worrying rate.” While he acknowledged that his observation doesn’t confirm any wrongdoing, Davidson said it raised valid questions about the legality of the car setup.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the FIA confirming an investigation or penalty. However, all cars are subject to post-race technical inspections, and if Norris’s McLaren is selected for a detailed check, it could reveal whether the plank has worn beyond the legal limit. The FIA has a strict zero-tolerance policy on such matters, and even a small infraction could lead to severe consequences.
If Norris is found in violation, it would be a devastating blow for both him and McLaren, who have been showing strong form this season. With championship points hanging in the balance, a disqualification would not only strip Norris of a crucial victory but also shift the momentum in the title race. McLaren, having battled its way into contention this year, can ill afford a setback caused by a technical oversight.
Davidson made it clear that he wasn’t accusing McLaren of wrongdoing, but simply pointing out an area that warrants attention. “Maybe I’m being overly cautious,” he said, “but in F1, these small technical margins can make a big difference. If the FIA chooses to measure the plank wear, the results could be telling.”
For now, the racing world waits for clarity. The FIA has not issued any technical bulletins or updates indicating whether Norris’s car is under specific review. But given the potential implications and the sport’s history of post-race disqualifications, fans, teams, and pundits will be watching closely.
Until the FIA’s official checks are complete, the status of Norris’s Austrian Grand Prix win remains uncertain. What looked like a flawless victory may yet face a harsh twist, depending on what lies beneath McLaren’s race-winning machine.
