McLaren has apologised to their F1 drivers Lando Norris and Aussie Oscar Piastri after they were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to rule-violating skid blocks.
Norris initially came second in the race followed by Piastri in fourth, but their placings were later adjusted when an investigation by FIA, the governing body of the F1, found that the skid blocks on the floors of their cars were worn down below the 9 mm limit.
Excessively worn skid blocks are a violation in the sport because they allow the car to run lower to the ground, increasing aerodynamics and providing a performance advantage.
Following the disqualification, McLaren — the British team which signed Norris and Piastri in 2017 and 2022, respectively — apologised to both the drivers and the fans.
“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,” McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella said, per The Guardian.
“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,” Stella added.
In his own response, Melbourne-born Piastri said it was “disappointing to come away from this weekend with no points after an unfortunate disqualification”.
“With how close the grid is, we’re always looking at where we can gain performance, and we didn’t get it right this time.”
Meanwhile, Norris described the disqualification as “frustrating” but said he and Piastri are now switching focus to Qatar, where the next Grand Prix will take place on December 1.
FIA explained its decision to disqualify the McLaren teammates after an hour-long investigation into the skid blocks, saying that while “unintentional” on the racers’ part, “there was no provision in the regulations … for any penalty other than [disqualification]”.
The point adjustment now puts RedBull driver Max Verstappen — who won the Vegas race — back in contention for the overall title, with the disqualification closing Verstappen from 49 points behind Norris to now only 24.
The ultra-tight race prepares us for what will likely be a clincher season finale in Abu Dhabi, which will follow the Qatar race on December 8.
Lead images: Getty Images
The post McLaren Apologises To Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri For F1 Vegas Disqualification appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
