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The Las Vegas shockwave: Norris and Piastri disqualified, Verstappen back in the title fight
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What should’ve been a historic weekend for Lando Norris became a full-blown sporting earthquake at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
A double disqualification against both McLaren drivers — Norris and Oscar Piastri — ripped through the World Championship, reignited Max Verstappen’s hopes, and left the final stretch of the season wide open and nearly unpredictable.
According to the FIA, post-race scrutineering revealed that the plank thickness (the wear board underneath the car used to control minimum ride height and prevent excessive downforce) fell below the mandatory 9 mm. That finding triggered an immediate DSQ (disqualification) for both McLarens, a brutal sanction considering Norris had won on track.
“It hurts. It hurts a lot. But rules are rules,” a paddock engineer explained in an interview.
How Norris’ Perfect Weekend Fell Apart
Before the regulatory hammer dropped, Norris had delivered almost everything right except for one critical detail.
A small slip at the start, where he spun the wheels more than usual, opened the door for Verstappen. The Dutchman didn’t hesitate, seized the lead instantly, and executed a flawless first stint to take home the 25 points.
Norris’ goal was clear:
– He couldn’t clinch the title in Vegas,
– But he could mathematically eliminate Verstappen.
Instead, the disqualification detonated the standings:
- Norris: 390 points
- Piastri: 366 points
- Verstappen: 366 points
Norris’ lead collapsed to just 24 points.
With 58 points remaining between Qatar and Abu Dhabi… everything is back in play.
Antonelli: Mercedes’ Silent Hero
Another storyline emerging from the Vegas chaos was Kimi Antonelli.
The young Italian defended against Piastri at crucial moments, delivered a remarkably mature race, and ultimately played a key role in helping George Russell secure a vital podium for Mercedes.
“It was an impeccable drive,” an analyst said speaking to Sky Sports F1.
Mercedes leaves Vegas with 431 points, solidifying its hold on second in the Constructors’ Championship.
Updated Standings — Drivers’ Championship
- Lando Norris – 390
- Oscar Piastri – 366
- Max Verstappen – 366
- George Russell – 294
- Charles Leclerc – 226
- Lewis Hamilton – 152
- Kimi Antonelli – 137
- Alex Albon – 73
- Isack Hadjar – 51
- Nico Hülkenberg – 46
- Carlos Sainz – 48
- Oliver Bearman – 41
- Fernando Alonso – 40
- Liam Lawson – 36
- Lance Stroll – 32
- Esteban Ocon – 32
- Yuki Tsunoda – 28
- Pierre Gasly – 22
- Gabriel Bortoleto – 19
- Franco Colapinto – 0
- Jack Doohan – 0
Constructors’ Championship
- McLaren – 756
- Mercedes – 431
- Racing Bulls – 391
- Ferrari – 378
- Williams – 121
- Haas – 73
- Aston Martin – 72
- Sauber – 68
- Alpine – 22
Las Vegas didn’t just shake up the table, it rewrote the entire 2025 narrative. Norris still leads, but now he is in real danger. Verstappen and Piastri: Two predators with entirely different styles.
