Overview
- Both McLaren cars were thrown out of the Las Vegas classification for excessive plank and underbody wear detected in FIA scrutineering.
- Lando Norris leads the standings on 390 points, with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied on 366, leaving three drivers in contention.
- Title math for Qatar includes sprint points and allows scenarios from a Norris clinch to a rare possibility of a triple tie entering Abu Dhabi, as outlined by analysts.
- Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli was promoted to third after a 48‑lap stint on hard tyres from P17 and despite a five‑second penalty.
- Analysts attribute McLaren’s DSQ to an aggressive high‑downforce setup that caused excessive wear, while calls grow for team orders favoring Norris and Ferrari confronts public frustration as Lewis Hamilton labels this his worst season and Fred Vasseur urges calm.