McLaren has issued an apology to their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following their disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The duo finished in second and fourth place in the race, but McLaren faced scrutiny from race stewards over potential issues with the minimum width of the rearmost skid on their cars.
In a statement from McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, it was revealed that the team was found in breach of Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations, which mandates a minimum skid thickness of 9mm. Car 4 exceeded this limit by 0.12mm, while Car 81 exceeded it by 0.26mm.
Stella explained that during the race, both cars experienced unexpected porpoising, leading to excessive contact with the ground. The team is investigating the reasons behind this behavior, including accidental damage sustained by the cars post-race, which contributed to increased floor movement.
Acknowledging that the breach was unintentional and without any deliberate intent to evade regulations, McLaren expressed regret to Norris and Piastri for the loss of points, particularly given their strong performances throughout the weekend. The team also extended apologies to their partners and fans for the setback, emphasizing their continued focus on the remaining two races of the season.
The disqualification has reshuffled the Drivers’ World Championship standings, with McLaren having already secured the Constructors’ Championship. Norris maintains his lead with 390 points, while Piastri trails by 24 points. Reigning champion Max Verstappen’s victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix has put him level with Piastri, offering a chance to challenge for another title.
Both Norris and Piastri expressed disappointment over the disqualification, setting the stage for a competitive finish to the 2025 season with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remaining. The outcome of the championship remains uncertain, with Verstappen acknowledging the need for luck and strong performances to close the gap at the top.
Looking ahead to the upcoming races, Verstappen highlighted the importance of car performance and the competitive nature of the McLaren track in Abu Dhabi. With Verstappen’s previous success in Qatar and Norris’ victory in Abu Dhabi last season, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the current season, filled with potential twists and turns.