After the race the McLaren duo were summoned to the stewards after the governing FIA reported excessive rear skid block wear on their cars. After a long meeting with the FIA, both Mclarens were sensationally disqualified.
A statement from the FIA confirmed both McLaren cars were disqualified for technical non-compliance as the thickness of the plank assembly was below the permitted minimum thickness.
F1 rules state the plank assembly, otherwise known as the skid block on the underside of a car must have a minimum thickness of 9mm after a race, meaning a maximum of 1mm of wear is allowed from its original 10mm thickness.
An excessively worn skid block allows the car to run lower to the ground and technically gain an advantage and usually results in immediate disqualification.
Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the 2023 Shanghai Grand Prix after the rear skid block on his Ferrari was found to be under the minimum thickness required in the technical regulations. Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified from the Bahrain Grand Prix in April for similar reasons.
Oscar Piastri.Credit: Getty Images
According to F1 journalist and commentator Chris Medland, McLaren argued there were mitigating circumstances existed in additional and unexpected porpoising … limited opportunity to test due to the weather on Day 1, and shortened practice sessions”, however they were overruled.
McLaren’s disqualification means the three-horse race between Norris, Piastri and Verstappen is now closer than ever.
Norris is now on 390 points, with Piastri and Verstappen tied on 366 points. That’s a 24-point margin, which is less than a race win.
McLaren would understandably be lamenting the loss of valuable points, but this disqualification has hurt Norris far more than Piastri. Prior to the disqualification, Norris was a champion-in-waiting, ready to clinch his maiden title.
Loading
Piastri’s childhood dreams of winning the crown were mathematically possible but highly unlikely. To retake the championship, he would have needed to win the next two races plus the sprint race and hope his teammate finishes lower than fourth.
Now, the Australian has a much smaller margin to close.
He also has the benefit of driving a car that is well suited to the next two circuits. The penultimate race of the season, Lusail International Circuit is a fast track characterised by high-speed and long corners, which should favour the McLaren set-up. Similarly, the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is known for its straights and fast corners, which should also suit the papaya team.
Unfortunately for Piastri there’s a catch – he happens to be tied on points with four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Verstappen took a commanding lead from lap one in Vegas to clinch his 69th grand prix win and sixth trophy this year. It’s an extraordinary feat for Red Bull and for a driver who initially ruled himself out of the championship halfway through the season.
Oscar Piastri during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.Credit: Getty Images
Verstappen has also won in Abu Dhabi and Qatar several times and is well known for relishing a challenge. McLaren’s disqualification will be music to the Dutchman’s ears.
Another barrier for Piastri remains his qualifying performance. He qualified sixth in Texas, third in Singapore, eighth in Mexico, and third in Sao Paulo. He has not won since the final day of August at the Dutch Grand Prix and has just one podium finish in the seven races since.
This disqualification is a blessing in disguise for Piastri – an ironic touch of magic.
Now he needs to capitalise on it.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
