Norris Still Favourite, But Verstappen Reignited After Vegas DQ Drama

Disqualifications Shake Up Title Battle

The Formula 1 drivers’ championship has been thrown wide open after both McLaren drivers — Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive skid-block wear.

Norris had finished ahead of title rival Max Verstappen, maintaining a strong 42-point lead. But with the disqualification, Norris’ lead drops to 24 points, and Verstappen is now level on points with Piastri. With two races and 58 points remaining, the title fight is alive.

“It’s frustrating to lose so many points… Now, full focus switches to Qatar,” said Norris, reflecting on the ruling.

What’s Next in the Title Race?

Despite the penalty, Norris remains the championship favourite, needing to gain just two more points than both Piastri and Verstappen in Qatar next weekend to seal his first world title.

The Qatar Grand Prix includes a sprint race, adding more variables to the title permutations. Should Norris falter, the battle will head to a dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi.

Title Permutations Ahead of Qatar

• If Norris outscores both Verstappen and Piastri by 2+ points in Qatar (across the sprint and main race), he is world champion.

• If not, the title decider goes to Abu Dhabi.

• Verstappen has cut a 64-point gap over four races before — he’s not out yet.

“I treat it like I want to go and win,” Norris said ahead of Qatar. “My goal is to win both races and the sprint as well.”

Why Did McLaren Get Disqualified?

Sparks fly from the rear of Lando Norris’ McLaren during final practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix

The disqualification came down to floor plank wear — a technical infringement caused when cars run too low to the ground, increasing aerodynamic grip but violating FIA regulations.

McLaren’s case:

• Cited unusual porpoising, limited practice running, and track bumps in Las Vegas.

• Noted second practice was disrupted by red flags and qualifying was wet.

• Argued they lacked data to properly set ride heights.

However, the FIA upheld the disqualification, stating:

“The breach was unintentional… but a car either complies or it does not.”

Norris’ car was out of tolerance by 0.07mm to 0.12mm, and Piastri’s by up to 0.26mm — minimal, but still illegal under the rules.

Context: Not a First in F1

Similar disqualifications in recent memory:

• Hamilton (2023 US GP) – same skid-block issue.

• Leclerc (2023 US GP) – same infraction.

• Russell (Belgium 2022) – underweight due to floor wear.

F1 teams gamble on ride heights, especially on new or bumpy tracks like Las Vegas, where data is limited.

Final Thoughts

This shock disqualification has reignited the 2025 F1 title race. Norris remains in the driver’s seat, but Verstappen is back in the game — a fifth title suddenly within reach. Qatar now looms large as potentially the decisive battleground in one of the most unpredictable finishes in recent Formula 1 history.