F1 Las Vegas GP: Norris, Piastri Disqualified as Both McLarens Fail Floor-Plank Test

McLaren’s season took a setback after both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix following post-race checks. Officials found excessive plank wear on the MCL39, with the rear skid blocks below the required 9mm limit. Norris finished second on track and Piastri came home fourth, but both results were removed. With the disqualification, the championship picture changed but Norris still holds the lead. He sits 24 points ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastre. Verstappen’s Las Vegas win helped him stay within range as the title battle tightens. The disqualification cut McLaren’s advantage and shifted the story of the season, setting up a close finish across the final two rounds.

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McLaren said in a statement: '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 the 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.'

The revised Las Vegas results produced major changes. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli moved up to second and third for Mercedes. Charles Leclerc gained fourth for Ferrari, while Carlos Sainz took fifth for Williams. Drivers including Isack Hadjar, Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton, Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman also gained places and points after the reshuffle.

The ruling arrived when every point matters. With 58 points still available across the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, plus the Qatar sprint, the championship remains open. Verstappen’s gain in Las Vegas reduced the gap and increased pressure on Norris as the season approaches its final stage.

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McLaren enters the remaining races under focus. The Las Vegas disqualification changed both title fights and raised the stakes for the final run. The last rounds will decide whether Norris can keep his advantage or Verstappen can turn the momentum and influence the outcome of the 2025 Formula 1 championship.