Shockwaves in Motorsport: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri DISQUALIFIED from Las Vegas Grand Prix!
In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the Formula 1 world, McLaren stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been officially disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a decision announced by the FIA that has left fans and pundits buzzing with disbelief. Initially classified second and fourth respectively, the duo had celebrated on the podium, with Norris even parading around the track in a Lego car alongside his fellow drivers. But what should have been a triumphant moment quickly spiraled into a nightmare.
The drama unfolded post-race when team principal Andrea Stella delayed his media obligations, hinting at the brewing storm. Scrutineering tests on Norris’ car revealed devastating news. The FIA’s technical delegate, Jo Bauer, confirmed that the rear skids on both McLaren cars were found to be below the mandated minimum threshold of 9mm, sparking a controversy that would lead to their disqualification.
Norris and Piastri’s fate was sealed after a tense wait during which McLaren made their case, citing unexpected porpoising, disrupted practice sessions, and claiming their breach was less significant than earlier infractions by Ferrari. However, the stewards were unmoved. The official decision document was damning, revealing that the measurements taken were alarming: the right-hand side front skid was just 8.88mm, and the rear skid measured a mere 8.93mm. The measuring device, a Mitutoyo Micrometre, was deemed to be precise to within 0.001mm, ensuring that the findings were indisputable.
In a statement that reverberated through the paddock, the stewards noted, “The rear skids of Car 81 were measured and found to be below the minimum thickness.” After a thorough re-measurement in the presence of the stewards and McLaren representatives, the results only confirmed the initial findings, which were even lower than before.
As the weight of the decision settled in, the stewards stated, “Accordingly, the Stewards determine that a breach of the Technical Regulations has occurred.” The FIA, while acknowledging that the breach appeared unintentional, highlighted the absence of any regulatory provisions for leniency, leading to the harsh penalty of disqualification.
The disqualification has massive implications for the championship standings. Norris, who lost the lead to Max Verstappen on the very first lap, ultimately finished second, while Piastri’s fourth-place finish widened the gap in the title race to 30 points. With two races still on the calendar, Norris’ lead over Piastri remains at 24 points, but this cloud of controversy now hangs ominously over McLaren’s campaign.
This isn’t the first time such a scenario has played out in 2025; earlier this year, Lewis Hamilton faced a similar fate at the Chinese GP for the same infringement. With the stakes higher than ever, the Las Vegas disqualification sends a shocking message to the grid: the FIA’s commitment to regulation compliance is unwavering.
As fans digest this seismic shift in the championship, one thing is certain: the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be remembered not for its glitz and glamour, but for the fallout of a disqualification that has sent shockwaves through the world of Formula 1!
