The Formula 1 world was stunned after both McLaren drivers — Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to technical infringements. Post-race inspections revealed that the skid blocks on both cars failed to meet the minimum regulatory standard. The case was immediately referred to the stewards, who ultimately confirmed the full disqualification of the team.

The consequences were brutal: Norris loses his second-place finish — and the crucial 18 points that came with it — while Piastri is stripped of his fourth place and 12 points. Max Verstappen retains his victory, but the podium has shifted dramatically, promoting George Russell and rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes into second and third respectively.

The ruling sends shockwaves through the 2025 championship standings. Norris still leads with 390 points, but his advantage over both Verstappen and Piastri has shrunk to just 24 points. With two races remaining — in Abu Dhabi and Qatar — the title fight is suddenly wide open. Remarkably, Verstappen was 97 points off the lead back in August, yet now the reigning champion has a genuine chance to snatch another world title in a season that refuses to follow the script.