Formula One fans were left stunned at the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 as McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified for technical infringements, dramatically reshaping the fight for the F1 World Championship. The duo originally crossed the finish line in second and fourth place, but post-race inspections revealed that the skid blocks on both cars were below the minimum required depth.

Norris and Piastri’s Las Vegas GP Disqualification

The disqualification represents a major twist in what has been one of the most thrilling Formula 1 seasons in recent memory. Lando Norris, who had been the championship leader, now sees his advantage trimmed due to the Las Vegas technical ruling, while Oscar Piastri, his talented McLaren teammate, also loses valuable points.

Both drivers had delivered impressive performances during the race, with Norris finishing behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is still in contention for the title. Piastri also showcased strong pace, crossing the line in fourth before the disqualification was announced.

Impact on the 2025 F1 Championship

Following the Las Vegas GP setback, Norris remains 24 points ahead of both Piastri and Verstappen as the season heads to the penultimate round in Qatar, which will feature a sprint race as part of the weekend format.

With a maximum of 58 points still available across the final two races, Norris can secure the 2025 F1 Championship by outscoring both Verstappen and Piastri by at least two points during the Qatar GP weekend.

For Max Verstappen, the disqualification of the McLaren drivers significantly narrows the points gap. Prior to Las Vegas, Verstappen trailed Norris by 42 points, but the current deficit has dropped to just 24 points, making the final rounds of the season highly competitive and unpredictable.

Reactions from the Drivers

Reactions from the McLaren camp reflected the frustration of losing crucial points. While Norris had been confident heading into Las Vegas, the technical violation has sparked debate within the Formula 1 community about the strictness of post-race inspections and the impact of minor technical deviations on championship outcomes.

Verstappen, meanwhile, remains focused on closing the gap and taking advantage of the McLaren misfortune as he chases a record-breaking F1 title run.

Looking Ahead: Qatar Grand Prix 2025

The Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled as the penultimate round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, now takes on extra significance. Drivers will not only be racing for victory but also strategically aiming to maximize points to influence the championship standings. With Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen all in contention, the stakes could not be higher.

Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the showdown, anticipating a thrilling climax to one of the most dramatic F1 seasons in recent history.