McLaren’s bright night in Las Vegas has suddenly turned into a worrying one as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri face possible disqualification from the results of the Las Vegas Grand Prix after their cars failed post-race technical checks.
The inspections showed something unexpected on both papaya cars that instantly raised concerns for the stewards, and the celebration has slowly turned into confusion and worry as the team and the F1 world wait to find out what will happen next.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the Championship Picture
This storyline hurts McLaren so much because of the position both drivers are in this season, as Norris has become one of the strongest title contenders after a run of consistent podiums and bold drives. He has been the calm leader in the team, often pulling out results on days when the car is not quite perfect.
On the other hand, Piastri has turned into one of the sharpest young drivers in F1, and this is only his third season in the sport, and he is already fighting toe-to-toe with championship regulars.
The pair finished second and fourth in Las Vegas, which would have tightened their grip on the championship fight to some extent. However, Norris spoke afterward about “some issues with the car” but did not share details, and at that time, nobody expected the real problem to come from the underside of both cars.
McLaren had little reason to believe anything serious was coming until Parc Ferme lasted longer than usual and team principal Andrea Stella was seen having intense conversations with FIA officials, which only added to the mystery. Soon after that, the announcement came from the FIA’s official account on social media.
How the Technical Finding in Las Vegas Changes Everything for McLaren
When the FIA summons report was released, it showed that the rearmost skid on both cars was below the approved minimum thickness, and the plank under each car had worn too much during the race.
DOC 55 – Summons – Car 4 – Technical Regulations https://t.co/nVLPv627jK #LasVegasGP #F1 #FIA pic.twitter.com/NajnpGkBvz
— FIA (@fia) November 23, 2025
FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer’s report stated, “The skid wear of car numbers 81 and 04 was checked. 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.”
DOC 54 – Summons – Car 81 – Technical Regulations https://t.co/nVLPv627jK #LasVegasGP #F1 #FIA pic.twitter.com/XlYfBuyXPq
— FIA (@fia) November 23, 2025
Suddenly, both Norris’ second place and Piastri’s fourth place have been wiped from the result sheet and that has now heavily shaken up the standings. Norris’ championship lead has shrunk, and Max Verstappen has gained valuable ground with only two rounds left in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
This problem comes as an extra blow because there had already been questions about fuel management during the race, as Norris had slowed down dramatically in the final laps to make sure the car had enough fuel to be checked afterward. It now turns out the fuel was never the problem, but the skid wear, which was less than 9 mm and hence worthy of disqualification.
A McLaren executive was called to explain the findings and the penalties have been confirmed now, and the entire F1 world is in complete shock after seeing FIA’s statement on the matter.
And due to this disqualification for the papaya outfit, the 2025 world championship has taken on a whole new shape, and Verstappen fans might have something to cheer about soon.
