The 2025 Formula 1 title fight has taken a dramatic twist, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both set to be disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after their McLaren cars were flagged for excessive plank wear in post-race inspections.
Norris had finished second in the race behind Max Verstappen, while Piastri took fourth. The result initially strengthened Norris’ championship advantage to 30 points. However, shortly after the chequered flag, both McLaren cars were placed under FIA investigation for failing the plank-wear regulation — a breach that typically results in automatic disqualification.
The matter was then formally referred to the stewards, who are expected to confirm the disqualification for both drivers.
If the decision is upheld, Norris’ points from the Vegas race would be wiped, cutting his lead substantially. In that scenario, Norris and Verstappen would trail Norris’ adjusted tally by 24 points with two rounds and 58 points still available. Verstappen would move level on points with Piastri, though the Australian would retain second place in the standings due to having more race wins — seven compared to Verstappen’s six.
The ruling is set to reshape the closing stages of the 2025 championship in one of the most consequential technical penalties of the season.