Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have spoken out following their disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Norris claimed second place behind race victor Max Verstappen, while Piastri finished fourth. However, both McLaren drivers’ cars did not pass post-race technical inspections due to excessive skid-block wear.
The FIA confirmed that the disqualification was a result of the skid-block wear issue, nullifying their race results and intensifying the championship battle with only two races remaining. Norris now holds a 24-point lead over Piastri and Verstappen before the upcoming race in Qatar and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Norris expressed disappointment, acknowledging the team’s car issues that led to the disqualification. Piastri also expressed frustration, emphasizing the need to refocus for the remaining races where they have shown strength previously.
McLaren issued an apology to Norris and Piastri for the disqualification, citing unexpected car behavior during the race due to high levels of porpoising and accidental damage affecting the skid thickness. The team clarified that the breach was unintentional with no deliberate intent to break regulations.
FIA scrutineers identified that the planks under the McLaren cars were below the minimum 9mm thickness required at the end of the race, indicating an illegal ride height. This discovery led to the disqualification of both drivers from the final race standings.
