The Formula 1 World Championship battle has been thrown into chaos following a dramatic post-race decision at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the event, radically altering the standings with just two races remaining in the season.
Post-Race Scrutiny Leads to Shock Disqualification
The controversy unfolded shortly after the chequered flag fell on Sunday. Stewards summoned the McLaren duo after the FIA's technical delegate, Joe Bauer, was observed conducting an unusually lengthy inspection of both cars. The focus of the investigation was the skid block, a mandatory component on the underside of the car designed to ensure a minimum ride height.
It was subsequently confirmed that the skid blocks on both Norris's and Piastri's cars were found to be excessively worn, falling below the required thickness stipulated in the FIA's post-race technical regulations. This breach led to the immediate annulment of their results, stripping Norris of his second-place finish and Piastri of his fourth.
Verstappen's Championship Hopes Receive Massive Boost
The ramifications for the drivers' championship are profound. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who won the race after a thrilling battle with pole-sitter Norris, has seen his title prospects improve dramatically. Prior to the disqualifications, Norris held a 42-point lead over Verstappen.
Now, with both McLaren drivers losing their points, Verstappen has drawn level with Oscar Piastri for second place in the championship, each on 366 points. Lando Norris remains in the lead, but his advantage has been slashed to just 24 points. This is a critical shift with only the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix left on the calendar, plus a sprint race in Qatar offering a potential eight extra points.
Mercedes Benefits as Title Scenarios Intensify
While the spotlight is on the title fight, Mercedes also gained significantly from the stewards' decision. George Russell has been promoted to second place in the Las Vegas race, with his rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli, moving up to third to secure another podium in his debut season.
The path to the championship for Verstappen remains challenging but is now entirely plausible. If the Dutchman wins the final two races and the Qatar sprint, while Norris fails to finish on the podium in either Grand Prix, Verstappen would clinch his fifth consecutive world title. The situation could become even more precarious for Norris if he suffers another retirement or a further disqualification.
Adding another layer of drama, a tie-break scenario is now a distinct possibility. If Verstappen and Norris finish the season level on points, the title will be decided by who has the most race wins. Norris currently leads that count seven to six, a slender advantage that adds immense pressure to the final two weekends.
The F1 circus now moves swiftly to the Qatar Grand Prix, a circuit where Verstappen has won the last two editions. The stage is set for a titanic conclusion to one of the most thrilling championship battles in recent years.
