McLaren have issued an apology to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after both drivers were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix for a technical infringement. The FIA found that the skid blocks on the floor of their cars were worn below the permitted 9mm limit, a breach that cost the team crucial points in the Formula One drivers' championship.
Team principal Andrea Stella expressed regret over the incident. '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,' he said. 'As a team, we also apologise to our partners and fans, whose support means so much.'
The disqualification has significantly tightened the title race. Max Verstappen, who won the race, now trails Norris by just 24 points, with Piastri level on points with Verstappen. With two rounds remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Norris must outscore his rivals by at least two points in Doha to keep the championship alive for the finale.
Norris called the outcome 'frustrating' but vowed to focus on the next race. Piastri similarly expressed disappointment, noting the need to 'reset and refocus' for the final two events. The FIA acknowledged the breach was unintentional, citing unexpected porpoising and limited practice time as mitigating factors, but stated that disqualification was the only available penalty under the regulations.
The skid blocks, titanium plates within the plank under the car, are designed to wear during running but must not fall below 9mm from the original 10mm thickness. Teams often set low ride heights for performance, but this can lead to excessive wear. McLaren's error proved costly, stripping them of second and fourth places in Las Vegas.
