McLaren has issued a formal apology to their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following their disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite finishing in second and fourth places, respectively, the team faced scrutiny from race stewards regarding the minimum width of the rearmost skid on their cars.
According to McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, a breach of Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations was identified, which mandates a minimum skid thickness of 9mm. Car 4 exceeded this limit by a maximum of 0.12mm, while Car 81 exceeded it by a maximum of 0.26mm.
Stella explained that during the race, both cars encountered unexpected high levels of porpoising, leading to excessive contact with the ground. The team is investigating the reasons behind this behavior, including accidental damage to the cars that resulted in increased floor movement.
The team clarified that the breach was unintentional, with no deliberate attempt to bypass regulations. McLaren expressed regret to Norris and Piastri for the points loss at a crucial stage in their championship pursuits. They also extended apologies to partners and fans for the setback, emphasizing their continued focus on the remaining two races of the season.
The disqualification has reshaped the Drivers’ World Championship landscape, with McLaren already securing the Constructors’ Championship. Despite leading with 390 points, Norris faces a challenge from Piastri, while Max Verstappen has drawn level with the Australian driver after winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Norris and Piastri expressed disappointment over the disqualification, setting the stage for an intense battle in the upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. As the championship race heats up, luck may play a significant role in determining the ultimate victor, as Verstappen acknowledged in his post-race comments to Sky Sports.
Looking ahead to the final races, Verstappen highlighted the need for luck and performance optimization. With past winners in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the competition promises to deliver thrilling moments and unpredictable outcomes, ensuring a captivating end to the 2025 season.