McLaren reacts to double disqualification from the Las Vegas GP!

12:09, 23 Nov

Updated: 12:42, 23 Nov

byKada Sarkozi

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella and drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have reacted to getting disqualified in Las Vegas.

Both McLarens were disqualified after their skid blocks were found to be below the required 9mm minimum thickness level.

The Italian team boss said: "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.

"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.

“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.

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

Norris misses out on 18 points after getting disqualified - Photo: RacePictures

Norris and Piastri react

Both drivers lost considerable points in Las Vegas as a result of the disqualification.

Championship leader Norris commented: "A frustrating end to today. We had to do some managing towards the end of the race and now we know it was due to some issues on our car, which have unfortunately resulted in us being disqualified.

"It’s frustrating to lose so many points. As a team, we’re always pushing to find as much performance as we can, and we clearly didn’t get that balance right today.

"Nothing I can do will change that now, instead full focus switches to Qatar, where we'll aim to go out and deliver the best possible performance in every session."

His teammate, Oscar Piastri added: "Disappointing to come away from this weekend with no points after an unfortunate disqualification due to skid wear.

"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. We now need to reset, refocus and push to get the best points possible in the final two rounds, both tracks that we've been strong at previously."

As a result, Norris now only leads Max Verstappen by 24 points in the standings. Piastri is tied on points with the Dutchman entering the final two rounds of the season.

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