Championship Leader's Victory Lap Cut Short by Technical Investigation
In a dramatic turn of events following Saturday's spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri face potential disqualification after the FIA launched a detailed technical analysis of both cars. The investigation casts a shadow over what had been a crucial result for Norris in his quest for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship.
Post-Race Scrutiny Puts McLaren Results in Jeopardy
The controversy emerged hours after the chequered flag fell on the glittering Las Vegas Strip Circuit. The FIA confirmed they are conducting further analysis of both McLaren vehicles, with potential issues ranging from fuel sample irregularities to excessive plank wear. While the exact nature of the investigation remains unspecified, the consequences could be severe for the Woking-based team.
Norris had initially celebrated a hard-fought second-place finish behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, a result that put him 30 points clear of teammate Piastri and 42 ahead of Verstappen with just 58 points remaining across the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. This positioning meant the 26-year-old Briton could have secured his maiden world title with a round to spare next weekend.
Norris's Costly Mistake Overshadowed by Technical Drama
The race itself saw Norris start from pole position after mastering a wet qualifying session, but his hopes of victory evaporated almost immediately. A mistake at the first corner dropped him to third behind Verstappen and Mercedes' George Russell. "I braked too late, it was my f-up," Norris admitted candidly after the race. "I wanted to put on a show!"
Norris eventually fought back to pass Russell with 16 laps remaining, securing what appeared to be a valuable 18 points. Behind him, Australian teammate Piastri finished fourth after what he described as a challenging race. "I was one of the only people who braked, got barged out the way," Piastri commented on the opening lap chaos, adding that the Las Vegas circuit was "not my favourite of the year."
Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult weekend, finishing tenth after starting from the back of the grid. "I feel terrible, terrible," the Mercedes driver stated. "It's been the worst season ever. No matter how much I try, it keeps getting worse."
Championship Implications Hang in the Balance
Should both McLaren drivers be disqualified, the championship landscape would transform dramatically. Verstappen's victory – his 69th career win and eighth in the United States – would stand, but the revised points distribution would significantly close the gap to Norris. George Russell would be promoted to second place, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc likely moving into the points-paying positions.
This development adds intense drama to the championship battle ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. Norris had been on the verge of making history, but now faces the prospect of seeing his substantial lead potentially evaporate due to technical regulations. The FIA's final decision is awaited with bated breath across the Formula 1 community.
