McLaren Address Las Vegas Disqualifications, Affirm Driver Strategy for Qatar
LAS VEGAS, NV – November 23, 2025 – McLaren Racing has responded to the disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, citing technical infringements related to plank wear. The team emphasized a focus on learning from the incident and maintaining its current driver strategy as it heads to the final two races of the season.
Stewards’ documents revealed that Norris’s car had plank assemblies measuring 8.88mm and 8.93mm at the rear, both below the mandated 9mm minimum. Piastri’s car was found to be non-compliant in three areas, with measurements of 8.96mm, 8.74mm, and 8.90mm. Re-measurements conducted in the presence of stewards and McLaren representatives confirmed the initial findings.
“We, as a team, constantly learn from experience and we calibrate our approach all the time and we will certainly use any facts gained through the situation experienced in Vegas,” a McLaren spokesperson stated.
despite the setback, which leaves Max Verstappen 24 points behind Lando Norris in the championship standings, McLaren confirmed it will not alter its approach to driver management. “We have always said that provided that the maths dose not say or else, we would leave it up to the two drivers to fight for their chance at the final victory, and that is how it will be in Qatar,” the team confirmed.
The team highlighted the positive internal reaction to the disqualification, noting a strong team culture focused on progress and growth. “Walking around the factory this week, I was notably impressed by how deep and strong the cultural foundation of the team was. The reaction has been entirely focussed on picking up the learning, dismissing any negativity, and making sure we come out stronger from this kind of situation,” they said.
Looking ahead, McLaren expressed confidence in its ability to compete for both world championships.”Let’s not forget that if someone had told us at the start of the season that we would find ourselves in this situation with two races to go, we would have signed up for it! Now we are going to fight for the double world championship with confidence and awareness of our strength.”
The next race is scheduled for Friday afternoon in qatar.