McLaren’s Stella apologises to Norris and Piastri for Vegas DSQ

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has issued a formal apology to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after both drivers were sensationally disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix – a blow that has dramatically tightened the 2025 championship fight and left the team scrambling for answers.

Norris and Piastri were initially classified second and fourth after strong drives under the neon glare of the Strip. But hours later, both were wiped from the final standings when post-race scrutineering revealed their cars had breached Formula 1’s plank wear regulations.

McLaren mounted an extensive defence in front of the stewards, arguing that the excessive wear stemmed from unforeseen circumstances rather than any intent to push the limits of legality. But after a lengthy hearing, the verdict stood – and so did the damage to the team’s title campaign.

Speaking in the aftermath, Stella explained that the root cause appeared to be unexpected and extreme bouncing that neither driver had experienced during practice.

“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,” he said in the team’s post-race release.

He added that both MCL39s also suffered damage during the Grand Prix – only discovered after the chequered flag – which may have contributed to the problem.

“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.”

Apologies and a Tightening Title Fight

The disqualification could hardly have come at a more delicate moment. Max Verstappen’s victory in Las Vegas has now brought him level on points with Piastri and reduced Norris’s championship lead to just 24 with two races remaining.

Stella, fully aware of the stakes, offered a direct apology to both drivers – and to the wider McLaren community.

“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,” the Italian stated.

“While this outcome is extremely disappointing, we remain fully focused on the last two races of the season.”

• Read also: McLaren disqualified from Vegas GP – Verstappen title bid revived!

McLaren now heads to Qatar facing not just a fierce title battle but also the urgent task of understanding how a strong weekend unravelled so dramatically after dark in Las Vegas.

The final two rounds promise to be tense – and likely defining – for the Woking squad.

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