McLaren Faces Potential Disqualification From Las Vegas Grand Prix Over Technical Issue

McLaren faces a potential disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a technical issue with both cars.

The issue relates to the thickness of the rear skid block on Lando Norris' and Oscar Piastri's MCL39s.

The cars failed to meet the required thickness of 9mm, as per Article 3. 5. 9 e) of the 2025 F1 technical regulations.

The regulation states that the thickness must be 10mm ± 0. 2mm and uniform when new.

A minimum thickness of 9mm is accepted due to wear, but conformity is checked at specific points.

The extent of McLaren's failure to meet the requirement is not yet known.

A similar breach by Nico Hulkenberg's Sauber at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix resulted in disqualification.

If McLaren is disqualified, it could significantly impact the title battle, with Norris currently leading Piastri by 30 points.

The situation will be closely monitored as the stewards investigate and make a decision.

The world of Formula 1 racing is no stranger to scandal, with controversy often erupting over issues such as technical breaches, team orders, and driver behavior. One of the most infamous scandals in recent memory is the "Spygate" affair, which involved McLaren's theft of intellectual property from rival team Ferrari. The incident led to a protracted and complex investigation, ultimately resulting in McLaren being fined $100 million and forced to withdraw from the championship.

This high-profile case highlights the cutthroat nature of Formula 1, where teams will stop at nothing to gain a competitive edge.

In addition to technical breaches, team orders have also been a source of controversy in Formula 1. The most notable example is the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix, where Ferrari drivers Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher were accused of colluding to secure a 1-2 finish. The incident sparked a heated debate about the legitimacy of team orders, with some arguing that they undermine the integrity of the sport.

The FIA has since introduced regulations to prevent teams from instructing drivers to alter their racing behavior, but the issue --- a contentious one.

The intense pressure to perform in Formula 1 can also lead to reckless behavior from drivers, which can have serious consequences.

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McLaren has been summoned to Formula 1 stewards because both of its cars are in an alleged breach of a technical requirement after the Las Vegas ...

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