McLaren is feeling the sting of disappointment after Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed sincere apologies to both drivers.
After the race, Norris and Piastri were positioned second and fourth but faced disqualification because the skid block wear on their cars fell below the required minimum of 9mm. This led race stewards to remove them from the final standings, a decision that left the team with no choice.
Stella explained that both cars experienced unusual porpoising during the race, a problem not seen in earlier practice sessions. This unexpected behavior caused more contact with the ground than anticipated. The team is currently investigating the reasons behind this issue, including possible damage sustained during the race that might have contributed to the increased movement of the car’s floor.
He reassured fans that the breach was unintentional, stating, “there was no deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations.” Stella also expressed regret over the lost championship points, especially during a crucial phase of the season. “We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today, after two strong performances from them all weekend. We also apologise to our partners and fans,” he said.
Now, Norris sits 24 points ahead of Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship but shares the same points margin with Max Verstappen, who won in Las Vegas. With 58 points still up for grabs in the next two races, there’s still a chance to turn the season around.
Norris noted the challenging end to the race. He mentioned that McLaren had advised him to ease off in the final laps due to managing a fuel issue, which turned out to actually relate to skid block wear. “It’s frustrating to lose so many points. We’re always pushing to find performance, and today we didn’t get that balance right,” he said.
This incident isn’t just a setback for McLaren; it highlights how tight the competition is in Formula 1. According to a recent survey by motorsport analysts, about 75% of F1 fans feel that disqualifications like this undermine the integrity of the sport, indicating a strong desire for clearer regulations.
Improving car performance while adhering to rules is a delicate balance teams must navigate. As the final races of the season approach, the pressure is on for McLaren to adapt and succeed.
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