McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas for plank wear and illegal ride height reshuffles the title fight — punters should expect tightened championship markets and shorter odds for Verstappen; avoid backing McLaren for top finishes until appeals are resolved.
McLaren disqualified from Las Vegas Grand Prix after plank-rule breach
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after both McLaren cars failed post-race technical checks. The FIA found the skid planks under each car were worn below the 9mm minimum, a breach that effectively indicated an illegal low ride height. The penalty stripped Norris of his podium finish and Piastri of fourth place, removing crucial points with only a handful of races left in the season.
What the FIA inspection revealed
The post-race scrutineering showed excessive wear on the wooden skid planks beneath both McLaren chassis. The regulations require a minimum skate plank thickness to prevent teams running dangerously low ride heights for aerodynamic gain. With the planks below the 9mm threshold, stewards ruled the cars non-compliant and disqualified both drivers from the event.
Championship implications
The double disqualification reshuffles the championship dynamics as the season nears its conclusion. Losing the Las Vegas points is a significant setback for McLaren and hands momentum back to rivals. The ruling tightens title narratives and increases pressure on teams and drivers across the remaining rounds, making each upcoming result more decisive.
Recent precedents and the wider context
Disqualifications on technical grounds have cropped up multiple times this season and in recent years, underlining the fine margins teams operate within. Earlier incidents included cases for thin skid blocks and minimum weight infringements, plus fuel flow and underweight findings that cost drivers results. These rulings emphasize how scrutineering can alter race outcomes long after cars cross the line.
Betting implications and advice for punters
Bookmakers will likely adjust odds across race and championship markets after McLaren loses Las Vegas points. Expect shorter prices for rivals like Max Verstappen in both race and title markets. Punters should be cautious: avoid placing significant bets on McLaren finishing positions until any appeal is resolved, monitor bookmakers’ market movements, and consider reducing stake sizes or hedging existing bets. For safer exposure, look to established front-runners and conservative futures rather than speculative McLaren props while the situation unfolds.
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Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after both of their McLaren cars failed post-race technical checks on Sunday
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