McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella has apologised to the team and fans for a double disqualification at 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and fourth in the race but the pair were disqualified post race after their skid planks were found to be 0.12mm below the minimum thickness requirement of 9mm under Article 3.5.9.e of the technical regulations.
The result meant that Norris’ title lead over Piastri stayed at 24 points but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen moved level on points with the latter, having won in Las Vegas.
Stella subsequently explained in a team statement that porpoising within the race was the main reason behind excessive wear on the skid planks, alongside accidental damage but was glad that the FIA felt that their rule breach weren’t intentional.
“During the race, both cars experienced unexpected, high levels of porpoising not seen in the Practice sessions, which led to excessive contact with the ground.
“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.”
Following confirmation of the double disqualification, Stella apologising to both drivers for costing them vital points, which has allowed Verstappen to close in with two rounds of the season left.
“We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today, at a critical time in their Championship campaigns after two strong performances from them all weekend. As a team, we also apologise to our partners and fans, whose support means so much.
“While this outcome is extremely disappointing, we remain fully focused on the last two races of the season.”
Leave a Reply