Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, joining an unfortunate group in Formula One. Despite Norris finishing behind Max Verstappen and Piastri securing fourth place, both drivers were penalized for a technical infringement. Post-race inspections revealed that the planks under their McLaren cars were thinner than the required 9mm thickness, resulting in an illegally low ride height and subsequent disqualification from the 22nd race of the 2025 season.
The disqualification not only impacted Norris and Piastri but also brought Verstappen to an equal points standing with Piastri, intensifying the championship battle. With just three races left, the reigning champion now trails Norris by 24 points, setting the stage for an exciting season finale.
This incident marked the first disqualification in the F1 careers of Norris and Piastri, adding them to the list of drivers who have faced similar penalties. Earlier in the year, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were also disqualified in a separate race for technical infringements. The pattern of disqualifications in F1 reveals the strict enforcement of regulations in the sport.
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Notably, disqualifications have affected other drivers in the past, such as Nico Hulkenberg and George Russell. Hulkenberg’s disqualification at the Bahrain Grand Prix and Russell’s unfortunate underweight car discovery in the Belgian Grand Prix highlight the stringent scrutiny faced by F1 competitors. These incidents serve as reminders of the fine margins in the sport and the importance of adhering to technical regulations to avoid penalties.