McLaren is facing a post-race investigation following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially jeopardizing the points earned by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Technical delegates have flagged both MCL60 cars for excessive wear on the rear skid blocks, components critical for maintaining ride height and ensuring compliance with Formula 1’s technical regulations.A disqualification would not only reshape the final race results but also have ripple effects on the drivers’ championship standings as the season draws to a close.
McLaren faces a potential crisis in Las Vegas as both of its cars are under investigation by race officials. The vehicles driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are being scrutinized for potential technical infringements. The FIA has determined that the rear skid on both MCL60 cars has worn beyond the permitted limit, a violation that could lead to disqualification from a race where Norris finished second and Piastri fourth.
Jo Bauer, the FIA’s technical delegate, reported that the minimum skid thickness was not met on either car number 81 (Piastri) or car number 04 (Norris). According to Article 3.5.9 e) of the technical regulations, the skid must be at least 9 millimeters thick. However, FIA measurements revealed a thinner dimension, prompting an immediate referral to the stewards to determine the appropriate penalties.
Exceeding the skid wear limit is a serious breach of the rules, designed to ensure cars aren’t running dangerously low to the ground. This impacts both safety and performance, as excessive wear suggests the cars may have been running with increased downforce. Historically, similar infractions have consistently resulted in disqualifications.
If McLaren is found guilty, the consequences could be significant, potentially stripping both drivers of their results and dramatically altering the championship standings. A disqualification would bring Max Verstappen into a tie with Piastri on points, and reduce his deficit to Norris to just 24 points. Currently, Verstappen trails Piastri by twelve points and Norris by 42.
The race results would also be reshuffled, with George Russell moving up to second place and Andrea Kimi Antonelli being promoted to third. Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Isack Hadjar, Nico Hülkenberg, and Lewis Hamilton would all gain positions, moving up to fourth through eighth respectively. Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, who finished eleventh and twelfth, would both move into the points if McLaren is disqualified.
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