NOVEMBER 23, 2025

McLaren stripped of Vegas results after skid-block breach

McLaren’s Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend ended in major setback after both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified for excessive wear on the rear skid block, costing the team second and fourth place and tightening an already intense 2025 Formula 1 title fight.

Post-race checks revealed that both MCL39s failed to meet Article 3.5.9 of the 2025 technical regulations, which mandate a minimum plank thickness of 9mm. Piastri’s car measured 8.96mm on the left-front, 8.74mm on the right-front and 8.90mm on the right-rear. Norris’ machine showed readings of 8.88mm on the right-front and 8.93mm on the right-rear. The FIA conducted the measurements in the presence of three McLaren representatives, with all other points-scoring cars found compliant.

McLaren argued that “mitigating circumstances” contributed to the wear, citing unexpected porpoising and a lack of normal setup preparation after wet and interrupted practice sessions. FP2 in particular was shortened by two red flags triggered by a loose manhole cover. The team also pointed out that the degree of wear was less severe than in previous skid-block violations seen earlier in 2025.

However, the stewards ruled that while the infringement was unintentional, the regulations and past precedent leave no alternative to disqualification. “There was not deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations,” the decision stated, but the mandatory sanction must apply.

The revised result elevates Mercedes pair of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to second and third behind race winner Max Verstappen, who originally finished fourth on the road. The Dutchman’s sixth victory of the season now carries far greater championship significance. What had initially been a 42-point gap to Norris shrinks to 24 points with two grands prix and a sprint still to run. The updated standings also place Piastri level with Verstappen for second overall, despite the Australian having led the championship for much of the year.

Piastri’s form has tailed off since late summer; his podium-less run now extends to six races after he had once held a 34-point lead. With McLaren losing 30 points in one night, the team’s title challenge has also absorbed a heavy blow.

This marks the fifth and sixth disqualifications of the 2025 season. Earlier incidents included Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly losing positions in Shanghai after being 1kg underweight, Lewis Hamilton’s exclusion in China for excessive plank wear, and Nico Hulkenberg’s Bahrain penalty for a similar thickness breach.

But none matched the competitive impact of Las Vegas. The last time a podium was erased through disqualification was the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, when George Russell lost a win due to being underweight—handing victory to team-mate Hamilton.