Sport Country 2025-11-23T13:21:45+00:00

McLaren Disqualification Changes Championship Landscape

The Nevada GP was a turning point. Disqualification of McLaren drivers allowed Max Verstappen to close the gap, while Mercedes took two podium spots.


McLaren Disqualification Changes Championship Landscape

The race in Nevada marked a decisive turning point in the season. Max Verstappen not only managed to stop Lando Norris's winning streak by crossing the finish line first, but the championship landscape also took a dramatic turn after the post-race technical inspections. The disqualification of both McLaren drivers, Norris and Piastri, due to excessive wear on the plank underfloor of their cars (below the regulatory limit of 9 millimeters), has allowed the reigning champion to close a gap that seemed definitive just a short while ago. Following previous days characterized by rain and track uncertainty, the Sunday race offered stable conditions that Verstappen capitalized on masterfully. This situation reconfigured the podium substantially, directly benefiting the Mercedes team. George Russell moved up to second place, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli took the third spot, inheriting the position originally held by his teammate. In parallel, Pierre Gasly failed to capitalize on his starting position, losing five places to finish in thirteenth. The championship will continue next week in the Middle East with the celebration of the Qatar Grand Prix between November 28 and 30.