Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced disqualification from Saturday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race inspections revealed excessive wear on the rear skid blocks of both McLaren cars. Norris had crossed the line second, while Piastri finished fourth, but both now lose their results.

Technical delegate Jo Bauer confirmed the rearmost skid blocks measured below the mandatory nine-millimeter minimum, prompting the FIA investigation. McLaren representatives presented their case before the stewards, but the disqualification was upheld.

Podium reshuffled after McLaren disqualifications

Max Verstappen retains the race victory, while George Russell moves up to second. Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli climbs to third, completing the podium. Charles Leclerc is promoted to fourth, with Carlos Sainz fifth and Isack Hadjar sixth.

Nico Hulkenberg advances to seventh, followed by Lewis Hamilton in eighth. The Haas drivers, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, now finish ninth and tenth, respectively. The historic ruling marks the first time McLaren has had both cars removed from a grand prix for the same infraction.

 

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Title race tightens with two races remaining

Instead of extending his advantage, Norris remains 24 points ahead of Piastri. Verstappen’s win brings him level with Piastri in the standings, leaving the top three separated by fewer than 25 points heading into the final two grands prix and one Sprint.

Skid block regulations have already affected other drivers this season. Lewis Hamilton was excluded from the Chinese Grand Prix for a similar breach, while Nico Hulkenberg lost his points finish in Bahrain, underscoring the strict enforcement of the rule. [F1 correspondent Michael Butterworth | Xinhua]