McLaren Faces Disqualification Inquiry Following Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas, Nevada – November 21, 2023 – McLaren Racing is under examination by the FIA following the las Vegas Grand Prix, with the potential for disqualification hanging over the team and impacting both the Constructors’ championship standings and the drivers’ results. The inquiry centers around a technical infringement regarding the floor of the MCL60 car, specifically concerning wear that may have provided a performance advantage.
The controversy erupted after scrutineers noticed excessive wear on the plank of Lando Norris’s and Oscar Piastri’s cars following the race. Regulations mandate a minimum thickness for this component, and excessive wear could indicate a violation of the rules designed to maintain a level playing field. A disqualification would strip McLaren of the 18 points earned in Las Vegas – 7 for Norris’s fifth-place finish and 11 for Piastri’s third - significantly altering the battle for fourth place in the Constructors’ championship,currently held by McLaren with 302 points,just ahead of Aston Martin with 280. The FIA’s decision, expected within the coming days, could also retroactively affect the drivers’ championship standings.
The FIA’s technical regulations, specifically Article 3.7 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations,dictate the permissible wear limits for the skid block,including the plank. Teams are required to demonstrate compliance with these regulations throughout a race weekend. Sources indicate the FIA is analyzing data and potentially comparing the wear patterns on the McLaren cars to those of other teams to determine if the wear was within acceptable tolerances or resulted from a purposeful design feature.
mclaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the investigation,stating,”We are cooperating fully with the FIA and providing all necesary data to assist in thier assessment. We believe we have adhered to the regulations, but we respect the FIA’s process and await their findings.”
The outcome of the investigation will not only determine McLaren’s fate in the current championship but also set a precedent for future technical scrutiny.If found in violation, McLaren could face a fine, a points deduction, or, in the most severe scenario, disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The FIA is expected to announce its decision before the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 26th.