LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Second placed Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
BREAKING: In a stunning turn of events, McLaren has been double disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, shaking up the Formula One driver’s championship standings. This dramatic ruling elevates reigning champion Max Verstappen to second place with only two races left in the season.
Just hours after crossing the finish line, McLaren faced stewards for a breach of FIA technical regulations. The disqualification stems from both McLaren cars having skid plates measuring less than the required 9mm. This oversight has now opened the championship race, placing Verstappen just 24 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, who had initially finished in first place.
Verstappen’s victory, achieved with a commanding lead of over 20 seconds, marked a significant moment as he became the first driver to win multiple times at this relatively new event. Following the disqualification, the championship battle intensifies, now involving Verstappen, Norris, and Oscar Piastri, who has fallen to third place.
The disqualification occurred as McLaren appealed the decision in the early hours of the morning, but the nature of the rules left them with little recourse. As a result, their hard-earned points from the weekend were stripped away, shaking the confidence of the team and their drivers.
Heading into the upcoming race in Qatar, where Verstappen has historically performed well, the pressure mounts on Norris. Previously enjoying a solid lead, he now faces a much slimmer advantage over Verstappen and Piastri, who are both eager to capitalize on McLaren’s misfortune.
In Las Vegas, Piastri expressed frustration over his race, especially after being forced wide at the start. “There’s not much to say about that start. I felt like I was one of the only people that actually braked to make the corner and I got barged out of the way,” he told Sky Sports. Despite finishing fourth, Piastri’s points were nullified due to the disqualification, leaving him disheartened.
With the championship now wide open, all eyes will be on the next race in Qatar, scheduled for this weekend. Fans and teams alike are eager to see if Verstappen can close the gap further or if Norris can reclaim his momentum. Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling championship saga unfolds.
