Breaking News from the desert! Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to plank wear.
A representative for both drivers were summoned to the stewards at 23:45 local time. This was due to an alleged breach of Article 3.5.9 e)of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations – Rearmost skid is less than the required thickness.
Photo Credits: FIA
How did this effect the race result?
Lando Norris had a messy start to the race loosing places to both Max Verstappen and George Russell. However, he managed to move his way back up to finish in second place, which would have given him 18 points moving his points total to 408.
Oscar Piastri also lost places to the start due to contact with Liam Lawson. The Australian driver moved up the grid to finish in 4th behind George Russell. This would have given him an extra 12 points to his tally bringing him to 378 points.
Max Verstappen won the Vegas grand prix which added 25 points to his total finishing the weekend with 366 points. A win which might prove crucial in the championship fight.
What does this mean for the championship?
Both McLaren drivers have lost out on big points this weekend. With two races and a sprint remaining its all to play for as we head to Qatar.
The current championship leader Lando Norris finishes the weekend on the same points as he started which is 390. He would consider himself slightly lucky that Oscar Piastri was also disqualified as he would have gained valuable points.
However with the form Max Verstappen is in and winning the Vegas Grand Prix has brought him right back into contention. He is now equal on points with Oscar Piastri on 366 points.
What are the possible result scenarios with 2 race weekends to go?
Qatar is crucial for Lando’s title fight. Should Lando win the sprint, all he needs is a 2nd place in the main race to clench the title in Qatar. This would guarantee that he would be 25 points ahead of Max or Oscar before the final race even if they win.
If Lando Norris comes second in all the remaining races and Oscar or Max win all three races, the British driver wins the championship by one point.
The scene is set for an epic end to the season
As we head to the final two race weekends its all to play for. Lando Norris has 24 points lead, but with Max Verstappen’s phenomenal form at the moment he needs to have a solid weekend. Can Oscar Piastri turn things around and gain valuable points in Qatar?
Of course DNF’s or disqualifications could also be a factor at the end of the season. Lando is currently ahead by 24 points but will it be enough? It’s impossible to tell what is going to happen, all we know is its going to be an exciting end to the season.