Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced a setback in their Formula One careers as they were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Norris initially finished behind Max Verstappen, with Piastri securing fourth place. However, both drivers were disqualified due to a technical infringement – post-race inspections revealed that the planks under their McLaren cars did not meet the required thickness of 9mm by the end of the race.
This ruling led to their disqualification from the 22nd race of the 2025 season, placing them alongside other drivers who have faced similar penalties. The disqualification not only affected Norris and Piastri but also impacted the championship standings, bringing Verstappen closer to Piastri in points with only three races left.
The disqualification marked the first in the F1 careers of Norris and Piastri, adding them to a small group of drivers who have faced similar incidents. Notably, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc also experienced disqualification earlier in the year. Additionally, Nico Hulkenberg faced his first disqualification in 15 years at the Bahrain Grand Prix due to excessive skid block wear on his Sauber.
Despite the challenges of disqualifications, the upcoming F1 season promises excitement for fans. Sky has announced a reduction in the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, offering over 1,400 live matches across various leagues. Furthermore, the upcoming season will feature more live Premier League games, providing fans with enhanced coverage.
In the midst of these disqualification incidents, it’s essential for drivers and teams to adhere to the strict regulations set by the FIA to maintain the integrity of the sport.