Max Verstappen has taken a major step forward in the 2025 Formula 1 title race after winning the Las Vegas Grand Prix following the disqualification of both McLaren drivers.
Lando Norris had finished second on the track and looked set to protect his lead in the championship, while Oscar Piastri also scored strong points for McLaren.
Post-race checks lead to disqualification
Several hours after the race, the FIA carried out routine post-race checks.
During those inspections, officials found that the skid-blocks on both McLaren cars were worn below the minimum limit.
Because this breaks the technical rules, Norris and Piastri were disqualified from the final classification.
McLaren said the cars were bouncing more than expected during the race because of porpoising.
This happens when the airflow under the car is disturbed and makes it bounce, which causes the floor to hit the track too much.
The team statement noted: “We are investigating the reasons for this behaviour of the car, including the effect of accidental damage sustained by both cars, which we found after the race, and that led to an increase of movement of the floor.
“As the FIA noted, the breach was unintentional, there was no deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations, and mitigating circumstances also existed.”
As a result, both drivers lost all their points from the race.
The changes to the final results had a big impact – George Russell moved up to second place and rookie Kimi Antonelli was promoted to third.
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Title fight blown wide open
The championship picture has now changed.
Verstappen, who was far behind earlier in the season, is now tied on points with Piastri and only 24 points behind Norris.
There are two races left in the season, with a total of 58 points still available.
What looked like a comfortable lead for Norris is now under serious threat.
The penalty is a major setback for McLaren at a key moment in the title fight.
Norris and Piastri will now face huge pressure in the final rounds, while Verstappen has a realistic chance to close the gap even further.
With Qatar and Abu Dhabi still to come, the championship is wide open.
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling