In a shocking turn of events the 2025 formula 1 championship has become wide open, as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after a technical infringement came out during post-race scrutineering.
The historic double qualification marks the first instance McLaren has had both cars removed from a race classification in the team's history, altering the F1 title race trajectory with Qatar Sprint and Abu Dhabi finale still to come.
What went wrong?
The FIA's technical inspection disclosed that the skid block wear on both McLaren cars fell below the mandatory 9mm minimum thickness requirement. The measurements exposed right-hand side skid blocks at 8.88mm on the front and 8.93mm on the rear for both cars. Upon the re-examination in the presence of stewards and McLaren representatives, the readings proved to be more problematic, cementing the regulation breach.
The McLaren team asked for mitigation, citing various extenuating circumstances. The squad attributed the violation to unexpected and aggressive proposing experienced throughout the Las Vegas GP weekend, with limited practice and testing opportunities after Friday's weather disturbance that shortened the preparation window. McLaren also argued that the degree of violation was marginally lower than similar violations seen earlier in the 2025 season, yet stewards maintained that no regulatory provision or precedent existed for any penalty short of disqualification.
FIA acknowledged the breach seemed unintentional with no deliberate circumvention of technical regulations, the riles remained immovable. The disqualification represented the fifth and sixth technical removals of the 2025 season.
Changes in the podium
The disqualification led to a big reshuffling of the Las Vegas GP results. Max Verstappen remained as the winner, while George Russell was promoted to third to second place on the podium. Kimi Antonelli climbed from fifth to third following his five-second penalty was resolved, securing Mercedes an amazing double podium finish.
Big hopes for Max Verstappen
The disqualification has reshaped the 2025 F1 Championship race, changing what looked to be a straightforward march for Lando Norris toward the world title into a three-way clash.
Revised Drivers' Championship standings:
1. Lando Norris: 390 points
2. Oscar Piastri: 366 points
3. Max Verstappen: 366 points
For Lando Norris to claim the championship, he must outscore both Piastri and Verstappen by a minimum of two points at Qatar to prevent leaving the title decision hanging until Abu Dhabi.