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McLaren Pair Disqualified in Vegas as Verstappen Win Stands and Title Race Tightens

Post-race skid checks for illegal wear leave Norris only 24 points clear going into Qatar.

Overview

  • FIA inspectors found the rear skid thickness below the 9mm minimum on both McLarens, prompting mandatory disqualification under Article 3.5.9.
  • Official readings recorded by the technical delegate showed Norris at 8.88mm (front) and 8.93mm (rear) and Piastri at 8.74mm (front) and 8.90mm (rear), later confirmed in the stewards' presence.
  • George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were promoted to second and third, giving Mercedes a double podium after the revised classification.
  • Max Verstappen’s dominant victory by more than 20 seconds remains intact, leaving the standings at Norris 390 points with Piastri and Verstappen tied on 366.
  • Stewards noted the breach appeared unintentional but said disqualification was the only available penalty; McLaren apologized and will investigate porpoising, limited practice data and potential floor damage, with 58 points still available across the Qatar sprint and Abu Dhabi finale.