In one of the most dramatic and unexpected twists of the 2025 Formula 1 season, the FIA has issued a formal announcement confirming that both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, have been officially disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after failing mandatory post-race technical inspections. The shocking decision has instantly reshaped the championship landscape and sent shockwaves through the entire F1 paddock.
According to the FIA, both McLaren cars were discovered to have excessive skid-plank wear, a clear and serious violation of the sport’s technical regulations. The skid plank — located under the car — must maintain a minimum thickness after the race. Any excessive wear indicates that the car was running too low, a condition that can provide an illegal aerodynamic advantage by increasing downforce and stability.
In their official statement, the FIA explained that routine checks uncovered the breach and that the severity and identical nature of the issue across both cars made the decision unavoidable.
“Following detailed post-race inspections, Cars 4 and 81 were found to have breached Article 3.5.9 (e) of the 2025 Technical Regulations regarding plank wear. After hearing from McLaren representatives and reviewing all available evidence, the stewards have unanimously ruled to disqualify both cars from the Las Vegas Grand Prix classification.”
This ruling immediately wipes out the finishing positions and points earned by Norris and Piastri, delivering a heavy blow to McLaren’s championship ambitions. The Las Vegas race was seen as a vital opportunity for the team to close the gap in the Constructors’ standings, and both drivers initially delivered strong performances that were celebrated within the garage. However, celebrations turned to uncertainty — and then to disappointment — once the technical checks began.
Inside the McLaren garage, engineers and team personnel were left stunned as they searched for explanations. Early internal assessments suggest that the aggressive, unpredictable nature of the Las Vegas street circuit — including its long straights, severe braking zones, and uneven surface patches — may have contributed to the excessive wear. Still, the FIA emphasized that it is the responsibility of every team to ensure their cars remain compliant, no matter the conditions.
The consequences extend far beyond McLaren. With both cars removed from the classification, drivers from rival teams have been promoted up the order, gaining crucial points in the final stages of the season. Championship fights that seemed settled just a few hours earlier are suddenly alive again, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable run to the finish.
McLaren has not ruled out filing an appeal, though overturning a technical infringement of this nature is historically extremely rare. Team principal Andrea Stella issued a brief response acknowledging the FIA’s authority while expressing deep disappointment at the outcome.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Las Vegas Grand Prix will not be remembered for its glittering lights or high-speed showmanship, but for the controversy that erupted after the chequered flag. The FIA’s uncompromising stance has reinforced its commitment to the integrity of the sport — and tonight, those regulations have rewritten the entire story of the race weekend.
Further reactions from teams, drivers, analysts, and fans are expected as the fallout from this unprecedented double disqualification continues to unfold across the F1 world.
