LAS VEGAS-A dramatic disqualification of both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, following Saturday night’s Las Vegas Grand Prix has thrown the formula 1 championship into turmoil. The pair were stripped of their finishing positions after post-race inspections revealed excessive wear on the cars’ mandated “legality plank,” a component designed to ensure ride height regulations are met.
The Las Vegas grand Prix, held this past weekend for the third time, is already a uniquely controversial event on the F1 calendar. Celebrated by some for its dazzling spectacle reminiscent of futuristic cityscapes like Mega-City One or the video game *F-Zero*, it’s equally criticized for its overt commercialization. Ars Technica was on-site to cover the race, part of our ongoing coverage of the series, including previous reporting on the 2021 tyre regulation changes.
The disqualification unfolded hours after the race concluded, initially appearing to hand a significant championship lead to Norris. Technical regulations require a minimum thickness for the legality plank,and exceeding the allowed wear limit results in automatic disqualification. The FIA is expected to release further details regarding the specific measurements and the grounds for the decision.
This incident underscores the intensely scrutinized technical aspects of Formula 1, where even fractions of a millimeter can determine a race outcome.The controversy adds another layer to what is increasingly resembling a high-stakes soap opera at 200 mph.
