Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri face disqualification threat in Las Vegas Grand Prix investigation
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are under investigation for excessive skid block wear and could be disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, reports BritPanorama.
The McLaren driver finished runner-up to Max Verstappen in Sin City, but he has been called before the stewards for allegedly breaching the regulations surrounding the minimum skid thickness.
FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer stated, “The skid wear of car numbers 81 and 04 was checked. The rearmost skid was measured on both cars according to the team’s legality documents submission in accordance with TD039 M, item 1.2 b) i).” He further noted that “the measured thickness was less than 9 mm on both cars, which is the minimum thickness required by TR Article 3.5.9 e). I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”
During the race, the championship leader, Norris, found himself relegated to third position after starting from pole. He eventually reclaimed second place from George Russell on lap 34 along the Las Vegas Boulevard. As it stands, Norris maintains a healthy buffer in the championship standings, holding 408 points, 30 points ahead of teammate Piastri and 42 points ahead of Verstappen. However, should Norris be stripped of his podium finish, this margin will significantly diminish.
Verstappen would move level with second-place Piastri on 366 points and only 24 points behind Norris. With 58 points still available across the remaining races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the potential blow to McLaren could prove costly in the drivers’ championship. Norris and a McLaren team representative visited the stewards at 11.45pm local time on Saturday, more than two hours after the chequered flag fell. This situation echoes earlier this season when Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix for the same skid thickness issue.
Reflecting on the race, Norris acknowledged his miscalculation after an overly aggressive defensive move against Verstappen led to a compromised position. “I f***** it up,” he admitted. “I was too punchy, and it cost me.” McLaren will now await the FIA’s decision in a situation rife with implications for both their season and championship hopes.
The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the thin line between racing brilliance and regulatory compliance, and how quickly fortunes can change when the stakes are highest on the Formula 1 stage.
