Particle.news
Download on the App Store

F1 Title Race Recast by McLaren Disqualification as Norris Leads Into Qatar Sprint

Extra sprint points in Lusail put a Qatar clinch within reach if Lando Norris ends the weekend two points clear of both rivals.

Overview

  • The FIA excluded both McLarens from Las Vegas for the skid‑block/plank being under the 9 mm minimum (reported average about 8.88 mm), erasing roughly 30 points.
  • The standings now read Norris 390, Piastri 366 and Verstappen 366 with two rounds left, including 33 points available this weekend in Qatar and the remainder in Abu Dhabi.
  • Norris acknowledged a first‑corner mistake versus Verstappen in Las Vegas, while Verstappen said he will accept only a “perfect” sprint weekend to maximize his haul in Qatar.
  • Scenario math confirms Norris can seal the title in Qatar by outscoring Piastri and Verstappen by at least two points; otherwise the fight proceeds to Abu Dhabi.
  • Coverage notes unconfirmed reports of McLaren revisiting intra‑team priorities, and separately confirms Mari Boya’s 2026 move to Prema in Formula 2.