McLaren's Las Vegas Grand Prix ended in disappointment as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified after post-race inspections. Technical delegates found that the rearmost skid blocks on their MCL39 cars failed to meet Formula 1's minimum thickness requirement of 9 mm. The breach meant the cars were judged non-compliant with the sport's strict technical regulations.
The issue was immediately referred to the race stewards, who confirmed the penalty and removed both drivers from the official classification. Norris had originally crossed the line in second place, while teammate Piastri finished fourth. Their disqualification reshaped the final results, erasing valuable points and leaving McLaren frustrated after what had initially looked like a strong weekend performance.
Max Verstappen's victory in Las Vegas proved crucial for the 2025 Drivers' Championship battle. The Red Bull driver now sits level on 366 points with Oscar Piastri, while Lando Norris remains at the top with 390 points. With only two rounds left in the season, the disqualification of the McLaren pair has significantly reshaped the title fight.
In confirming the penalties, the stewards explained that the skid blocks on both McLaren cars were "measured and found to be below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations." They added: "The rear skids were re-measured in the presence of the Stewards and the three McLaren representatives, and those measurements confirmed that the skids did not comply with the regulations. The relevant measurements were even lower than those measured originally by the Technical Delegate."
McLaren's double disqualification caused a major shake-up in the Las Vegas GP standings. Mercedes driver George Russell was promoted to second place, with teammate Kimi Antonelli taking third. Charles Leclerc moved up to fourth, while Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams, claimed fifth, reshaping the final classification after the stewards' ruling.