Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri Disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix After FIA Scrutineering Breach
In a dramatic and unexpected twist following the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the FIA has officially disqualified McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from the race results. The decision came hours after the chequered flag, overturning what had initially been celebrated as an excellent result for the Woking-based team, with Norris finishing second and Piastri crossing the line in fourth.
The post-race atmosphere had appeared normal as Norris joined his fellow podium finishers—humorously transported around the circuit in a Lego-themed celebratory car. However, tension quietly built behind the scenes when McLaren team principal Andrea Stella delayed his scheduled media appearances. Soon after, FIA personnel were spotted conducting detailed inspections of Norris’ car, initiating speculation of a potential technical irregularity.
FIA Confirms Under-Floor Skid Wear Breach
The situation escalated when FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer issued a formal report confirming that the skid blocks, commonly known as “planks,” on both McLaren cars had worn below the minimum thickness mandated by the Technical Regulations. These skid blocks are critical components located on the underside of F1 cars, designed to limit excessive running close to the ground.
Under Article 3.5.9, the minimum permitted thickness is 9mm. Bauer’s measurements recorded Piastri’s car—number 81—below this threshold, with the right-hand-side front measuring 8.88mm and the right-hand-side rear 8.93mm. The readings were taken using a high-precision Mitutoyo Micrometre accurate to 0.001mm, ensuring absolute reliability.
For fairness and transparency, the FIA re-measured the components in the presence of the race stewards and senior McLaren representatives. Surprisingly, the second set of measurements showed even lower readings, removing any lingering doubt that the cars were non-compliant. This confirmed a clear breach, leaving the stewards no choice but to escalate the matter for penalty deliberation.
McLaren’s Defence Rejected by Stewards
During the lengthy steward hearing, McLaren presented a robust defence, arguing that extraordinary circumstances contributed to the excessive wear. According to their submission, the team encountered:
- Unexpected and severe porpoising during the Las Vegas event
- Limited practice time, with Day 1 plagued by adverse weather
- Shortened sessions that reduced their ability to fine-tune ride heights and setups
- A breach less severe than a similar case involving Ferrari earlier in the season
Despite these points, the FIA reiterated that intent does not influence penalties when it comes to technical infringements. Regardless of whether the rule breach was accidental or unavoidable, the regulations—and past precedents—allow only one penalty: disqualification.
The FIA also acknowledged McLaren’s argument that the wear was unintentional and that no deliberate attempt had been made to circumvent the rules. Nevertheless, the stewards concluded that the cars did not comply with the technical standard, leaving them no discretion to issue anything less than exclusion.
Impact on Race and Championship Standings
Norris’ disqualification was particularly painful given the nature of his race. Starting from pole position, he attempted to defend against Max Verstappen into the Turn 1 braking zone but ran wide, handing positions to both Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell. Showing strong pace and composure, Norris fought back through the field to reclaim second place by the end of the race.
Piastri also delivered a solid performance, finishing just outside the podium in fourth. However, with both results nullified, the standings have shifted dramatically.
Despite the double exclusion, Norris maintains a 24-point lead over Piastri in the championship battle with only two rounds remaining. The gap would have been 30 points prior to the penalty, but because both drivers were excluded, the margin remains relatively intact—though the psychological blow is significant.
Not the First Skid Block Controversy of 2025
This incident echoes a similar controversy earlier in the season when Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix after his Ferrari was found to have skid wear below the required 9mm limit. The similarity reinforces the FIA’s inflexible stance on plank thickness, a rule designed to ensure car safety, prevent ground-effect exploits, and maintain fairness across the grid.
A Costly Blow for McLaren
The double disqualification is a major setback for McLaren, who had been enjoying one of their strongest seasons in modern Formula 1. The team will now shift its focus toward the final two races, aiming to prevent any further technical mishaps that could influence the outcome of the championship fight.
