McLaren’s Formula 1 Vegas miracle turned into a nightmare as the FIA disqualified Norris and Piastri from results

A McLaren Las Vegas miracle quickly became a nightmare when the FIA wiped both cars from the results.

What was shaping up to be a huge night for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri suddenly felt shaky the moment post-race checks began.

They’d both survived the chaos of launch drama, strategy swings, and title pressure, and landed inside the top five.

But the twist came later, buried in a technical report no one wants their name in.

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The race McLaren thought they’d won

The race itself looked like a huge win for McLaren. 

Max Verstappen crossed the line first, Lando Norris grabbed second after a chaotic night, and Oscar Piastri clawed his way into fourth. 

For a team in a title fight, that’s basically a jackpot on the Las Vegas Strip.

Norris had started from pole, battled Verstappen into Turn 1, ran wide, slipped back, then fought his way forward again before being told to slow down late in the race to save fuel. 

Piastri had an even crazier opening lap, getting bumped down the order before using strategy to climb back into the top five.

So by the time the checkered flag fell, McLaren looked set for a double podium challenge in the championship.

Two cars up front, big points in the bank, and momentum on their side.

But the celebration didn’t last long, because once the cars rolled into the Las Vegas garages, the FIA began their routine checks.

And that’s where everything went sideways.

The garage check that blew the title fight wide open

The officials found the small skid blocks under both McLarens had worn down past the legal 9mm minimum – basically, the cars had been scraping the track more than they’re allowed to.

They measured them again, with McLaren watching, and the numbers came out even worse.

That meant both cars were disqualified instantly – Norris lost his second place, and Piastri lost the fourth place he’d just earned post-race.

The FIA made it clear they didn’t think McLaren did anything sneaky, but rules in F1 don’t care about the reasons.

If the car’s out of spec, it’s out.

McLaren tried to explain that unexpected bouncing, bad weather, and shortened practice sessions made it harder to set the car up safely.

But the stewards still said no.

And just like that, the championship flipped.

Verstappen jumped into a tie with Oscar Piastri on 366 points, and Lando Norris stayed ahead on 390.

But with only two races and one Sprint left, that lead suddenly felt a lot smaller.

McLaren came to Vegas chasing momentum.

Instead they left with a reminder that in 2025, the title can be lost not in a corner or a pit stop, but in a millimeter of floor left behind on the track.

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