McLaren has issued a formal apology to their drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following their disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The pair secured second and fourth place finishes in the race, but the team faced scrutiny from race stewards due to suspected issues regarding the minimum width of the rear skid on their cars.
In a statement from McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, it was revealed that the team was found in violation of Technical Regulations Article 3.5.9, which mandates a minimum skid thickness of 9mm. Car 4 exceeded the limit by 0.12mm, while Car 81 went over by 0.26mm.
Stella explained that during the race, both cars exhibited unexpected levels of porpoising not observed during practice sessions, leading to excessive contact with the ground. The team is investigating the causes of this behavior, including accidental damage to the cars discovered post-race, which resulted in increased floor movement.
Acknowledging that the breach was unintentional and without any deliberate attempt to flout regulations, McLaren extended their apologies to Norris and Piastri for the loss of points, which comes at a crucial juncture in their Championship campaigns. They also expressed regret to partners and fans for the setback.
Despite the disappointment, McLaren remains focused on the final two races of the season. The disqualification has reshaped the Drivers’ World Championship picture, with Norris maintaining his lead with 390 points, while Verstappen has drawn level with Piastri, setting the stage for a thrilling finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Both Norris and Piastri voiced their disappointment over the disqualification, setting the stage for an intense battle in the remaining races of the 2025 season. As contenders jostle for position, the upcoming events promise excitement and suspense, with Verstappen emphasizing the need for luck to mount a challenge for the title.
Looking ahead to the concluding races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the competition is expected to intensify, with Verstappen emphasizing the challenging nature of the task at hand. Last year’s winners in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Verstappen and Norris, are poised for a showdown, ensuring a captivating season finale with unexpected twists and thrills.