Andrea Stella addresses McLaren's disqualification from the Las Vegas GP and its title implications

MCLAREN’S dramatic double disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix has reshaped the Formula One title fight and prompted team principal Andrea Stella to release a detailed explanation of the breach that cost both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri crucial championship points.

Norris had originally finished second in Las Vegas, extending his advantage over teammate Piastri to 30 points, while Max Verstappen’s race victory appeared to leave him 39 points adrift. Piastri had taken fourth place, keeping the championship battle finely balanced heading into the final two rounds.

However, hours after the race, FIA checks revealed excessive skid plank wear on both McLaren cars. The minimum required thickness is 9mm, and post-race analysis determined that both cars fell below that threshold. The issue was referred to the stewards, who disqualified both Norris and Piastri from the final classification.

The decision marks the first time both McLaren cars have been disqualified from a grand prix for the same technical infringement. It also transforms the standings with only Qatar and Abu Dhabi remaining and 58 points still available. Norris now leads on 390 points, while Piastri and Verstappen sit level on 366 points, with Piastri ahead on countback.

Stella addressed the incident in a formal statement issued after the disqualification.

“Following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, we were found in breach of Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations, which requires a minimum of 9mm skid thickness.

“Car 4 was found in breach by a maximum of 0.12mm of the rearmost skid and Car 81 by a maximum of 0.26mm of the rearmost skid.

“During the race, both cars experienced unexpected, high levels of porpoising not seen in the Practice sessions, which led to excessive contact with the ground. We are investigating the reasons for this behaviour of the car, including the effect of accidental damage sustained by both cars, which we found after the race, and that led to an increase of movement of the floor.

“As the FIA noted, the breach was unintentional, there was no deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations, and mitigating circumstances also existed.

“We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today, at a critical time in their Championship campaigns after two strong performances from them all weekend. As a team, we also apologise to our partners and fans, whose support means so much.

“While this outcome is extremely disappointing, we remain fully focused on the last two races of the season.”

With the title fight now tighter than at any point this year, the consequences of the Las Vegas ruling are set to echo through the final two rounds.