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3w ago

Norris’s Lead Cut to 24 After McLaren Disqualifications as Qatar Sprint Weekend Arrives

The FIA’s plank‑wear ruling revived Verstappen’s bid by forcing McLaren to confront porpoising‑linked legality concerns.

Norris said McLaren were too slow to catch Verstappen
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McLaren were thrown out of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Norris lost the lead to Verstappen at the start

Overview

  • Lando Norris now leads the championship by 24 points over both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen with 58 points still available across Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
  • Norris can clinch the title in Qatar if he outscores Verstappen and Piastri by two points across the sprint and grand prix.
  • FIA stewards excluded both McLarens from Las Vegas for excessive plank/skid‑block wear, with McLaren apologising and citing unexpected in‑race porpoising.
  • Qatar features a sprint format and a Pirelli cap of 25 laps per tyre set on Sunday, ensuring at least two pitstops and potentially faster, plank‑punishing race pace.
  • Rivals are watching whether McLaren raises ride height to stay within limits, as Verstappen arrives with a strong Qatar record and Red Bull’s single‑driver focus.