McLaren loses a race by less than a millimeter in a verdict that shakes the grid.

What should have been a brilliant finale for McLaren in Las Vegas turned into a brutal reality check. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Grand Prix after a clear technical infringement: the minimum plank thickness — the wooden board regulating floor wear — was below the 9 mm required by the FIA.

After McLaren celebrated a solid P2 for Norris and P4 for Piastri, the joy evaporated nearly five hours later when the stewards issued their verdict: both cars failed to meet Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.

Post-race scrutineering revealed plank readings of 8.88 mm and 8.93 mm in critical areas of the McLaren #4 (Lando Norris). A key point: this component is non-negotiable.

The plank was introduced in the 1990s to prevent cars from running too low, which would dangerously increase downforce. Its minimum thickness remains one of the strictest rules in the sport.

Andrea Stella, alongside McLaren’s technical and sporting directors, met with Nikolas Tombazis and Jo Bauer, the FIA’s top single-seater officials. But there was no escape: the breach was objective and measurable, leaving no room for interpretation.

The sporting blow is enormous. The lost points not only affect the direct battle with Mercedes and Red Bull but completely disrupt the team’s momentum in a season where both drivers have been among the most consistent front-runners.

The story of the day is clear: McLaren lost a race by less than a millimeter. And in Formula 1, that’s more than enough to destroy a perfect result.