Unpacking the McLaren nightmare in Las Vegas

Norris crossed the line P2 and Piastri P4, but both cars were summoned by the stewards for breaching Article 3.5.9 e of the Technical Regulations regarding skid block thickness. In post-race checks by the FIA, conducted under Technical Directive TD039, the rear skids on both McLaren MCL60s were found below the minimum requirement of nine millimetres.

The FIA used a Mitutoyo micrometre accurate to within 0.001 millimetres. Norris’s readings were 8.88 millimetres on the right side front and 8.93 millimetres on the right side rear.

Piastri’s were 8.96 millimetres on the left side front, 8.74 millimetres on the right side front and 8.90 millimetres on the right side rear. With the measurements logged, FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer referred the case to the stewards.

McLaren argued that unexpected porpoising, limited running due to weather on day one, and shortened practice sessions contributed to the excessive wear. They also claimed accidental damage may have increased floor movement.

The FIA Stewards accepted the breach was unintentional but stressed there was no scope in the rules or precedent for anything other than disqualification. They hence confirmed the exclusion of both cars.

McLaren issued a statement insisting the breaches were unintentional and apologised to Norris and Piastri. Team principal Stella said: “During the race, both cars experienced unexpected, high levels of porpoising not seen in the practice sessions, which led to excessive contact with the ground.

“We are investigating the reasons for this behaviour of the car, including the effect of accidental damage sustained by both cars, which we found after the race, and that led to an increase of movement of the floor. As the FIA noted, the breach was unintentional, there was no deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations, and mitigating circumstances also existed.”

Stella apologised to his drivers and partners, calling the outcome “extremely disappointing” but stressed the team would remain focused on the final two races.

The exclusion has reshaped the 2025 F1 drivers' championship table. Before the Las Vegas GP, Norris held a 30-point lead over Piastri and sat 42 ahead of Verstappen. With both McLarens wiped from the results, Norris now leads by 24 points, with Piastri and Verstappen tied behind him.

Norris said: “A frustrating end to today. We had to do some managing towards the end of the race and now we know it was due to some issues on our car, which have unfortunately resulted in us being disqualified. It is frustrating to lose so many points. Nothing I can do will change that now; instead, full focus switches to Qatar.”

Piastri added: “Disappointing to come away from this weekend with no points after an unfortunate disqualification due to skid wear. With how close the grid is, we are always looking at where we can gain performance, and we did not get it right this time. We now need to reset and push for the best points possible in the final two rounds.”

With the championship now compressed, Verstappen is suddenly one win away from the lead, setting up a tense Qatar showdown as McLaren fight to contain the fallout of their Las Vegas nightmare.