McLaren’s Las Vegas Disqualification: Technical Insights and Championship Implications Ahead of Qatar Grand Prix
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has outlined the factors leading to the team’s disqualification during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, attributing it primarily to unanticipated porpoising that affected the cars’ performance throughout the race. Following a post-race inspection, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who initially finished second and fourth, respectively, were found to have skid blocks beneath the minimum required thickness, resulting in the penalties.
As a consequence, Max Verstappen, the race winner, now enters the Qatar Grand Prix with 290 points, tied with Piastri for second place, while Norris maintains a 24-point lead. “What happened in Vegas was due to an anomaly in the behavior of the car,” Stella stated, clarifying that the porpoising was not a result of an overly aggressive pursuit of performance.
Stella explained that the porpoising unexpectedly intensified during the race, introducing significant vertical oscillations that disrupted the car’s stability. “The conditions we experienced were specific to the operating window of the car in Vegas and the circuit characteristics,” he added. Data acquired during practice indicated a safe operating clearance, but conditions worsened unexpectedly.
Telemetry data showed early signs of excessive porpoising. However, the absence of a crucial sensor on Piastri’s car complicated the team’s ability to mitigate the problem effectively. Stella noted that while adjusting speed theoretically should have increased ground clearance, it proved counterproductive in several sections of the track.
Heading into the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, McLaren remains focused on maintaining its strategy in the drivers’ championship. Stella confirmed there would be no change in approach: “As long as the math supports it, we’ll allow both drivers to fight for their chance at victory.”
Reflecting on the season, Stella expressed confidence, stating, “If someone had told us at the start of the season that we would be in this position with two races remaining, we would have signed up for it.” McLaren aims to leverage insights gained from their Las Vegas experience as they continue their pursuit of the constructors’ and drivers’ titles.
