F1 Drivers Disqualified For Technical Regulation Violation Found After Las Vegas GP
Summary
McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race scrutineering found the rearmost skid planks on both cars measured below the 9mm minimum specified in Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations. Norris had finished second and Piastri fourth on track before the decision.
The FIA stewards re-measured the skids with McLaren present, rejected the team’s explanation, but noted the breach appeared unintentional. The disqualifications affect the championship standings as the title fight heads to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with limited points remaining across two Grands Prix and one sprint.
Key Points
- Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri disqualified after their cars’ rearmost skids were found below the 9mm minimum thickness.
- The issue was identified during post-race technical inspection and re-measurement under Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.
- The FIA acknowledged the breach appeared unintentional but upheld the disqualifications after hearing McLaren’s explanation.
- The ruling reshuffles the championship battle: Max Verstappen is now level with Piastri on 366 points and sits 24 points behind Norris on 390 (as reported), with 58 points still available across the remaining events.
- Similar skid-related disqualifications have occurred earlier in the season (China and Bahrain), highlighting how sensitive compliance is to practice disruptions, weather and setup changes.
Context and relevance
Technical compliance checks — especially skid plank measurements — are a recurring and decisive factor in modern F1. Small differences caused by track conditions, setup choices or unexpected incidents in practice can lead to post-race penalties or disqualifications. With the championship nearing its finale, this ruling has direct implications for title contenders and team strategies in the closing rounds.
Why should I read this?
Short and sharp: if you care about the title fight, this ruling matters. It shifts standings and adds drama to the final fly-away races — and it shows how tiny technical margins can decide outcomes. Worth a quick read so you know what’s changed before the next race weekend.
