The bad news of the disqualification hit Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri long after midnight on their way home from Las Vegas. Both had long left the paddock in the gambling city when the World Cup battle took a dramatic turn four hours after crossing the finish line and Max Verstappen was also able to celebrate the jackpot hours after his victory.
The floor plates on both McLaren Formula 1 cars were too thin after the race; its size is less than the required nine millimeters. Second place for Norris and the anticipation of a possible peak of glory in the next race: in vain. Fourth place for Piastri: removed. On the other hand, Verstappen’s chances at the World Cup are now greater than ever this season.
Norris didn’t want to joke anymore
Norris’ good mood during the trip to the awards ceremony with the four-time world champion in the pink Lego Cadillac had already evaporated at the press conference. The already sensible Englishman had to face disqualification, for which he and Piastri were in no way to blame. It was initially unclear whether the team would appeal the decision.
Instead go into the Grand Prix in a few days confident and 42 points clear of the Dutchman Qatar Verstappen is now only 24 points behind Norris. He is already on equal footing with Piastri. A maximum of 58 points are still up for grabs for one driver in Qatar and then in the final in Abu Dhabi. Formula 1 brings cinematic battles again and Verstappen has the opportunity to win his fifth title in a row.
“Next weekend we will try to win the race again, and at the end in Abu Dhabi we will see where we are,” 69-time Grand Prix winner Verstappen announced in front of the legendary Bellagio, before fireworks in the sky followed by a spectacular light and water show performed by Mickey Mouse. He didn’t know what would happen a few hours later.
Hamilton was disqualified for the same offense in China
The race officials had no choice. Record world champion Lewis Hamilton was dropped from this year’s Chinese Grand Prix results list for the same offence. The floor panels on both McLarens are also too thin, despite their minimalism.
After the measurements, the International Automobile Federation technical delegation handed the matter over to the race supervisor. The rules are clear. At the mandatory hearing, the team leader was unable to do anything.
Perhaps that’s why Norris appeared so negative at the post-race press conference following his 150th Grand Prix, after he had previously joked: “Well, I just want to let Max win. I want to give the people a show.”
Serious: Norris only braked right at the start when he wanted to close the way for Verstappen in second on the grid from pole. However, because he rushed into the first corner with too much momentum, the Dutch racer was able to overtake easily.
To the chagrin of US television stations, Norris said clearly: “I messed up.” In plain English it means: He screwed up. As the race progressed, Norris had to accelerate a lot, but at least he managed to catch George Russell Mercedeswho initially capitalized on the World Cup leader’s mistake.
Did the team suspect anything towards the end of the race?
Despite all his efforts, he couldn’t get close to Verstappen and nothing came of his third straight win. Towards the end of the race, the gap to Verstappen increased from around five to more than 20 seconds. It remains to be seen whether the team suspected something at that point and slowed down Norris. At least Piastri continued to provide full acceleration in this phase and snatched Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli just before the finish.
Start for maximum stress factor
Norris had promised his fans before the start of his birthday race: “We will make it interesting for you.” But a scenario with disqualification may not play a role, even in his worst imagination.
After his triumphs in Mexico City and Brazil – both booed by fans – the anxious times in Las Vegas could be the turning point for the World Cup. It’s detrimental to Norris even though he’s the leader. Because he knows from his own experience last year, when Verstappen was crowned prematurely in Las Vegas, what the 28-year-old Dutchman is capable of.
Already the first slogan is about perseverance
As if to prove it, Verstappen dominated in Las Vegas. The fact that he initially called Norris’ maneuver on him aggressive, but liked it, shows what kind of racer he is. In 2021, Verstappen dethroned Hamilton in late drama in Abu Dhabi when he was still driving for Mercedes. Last season, Verstappen repelled all of Norris’ attacks.
After Zandvoort, Piastri is the leader of the World Cup standings, 104 points ahead of Verstappen – the Dutchman is now chasing everyone. «Over the next two weeks I will just try to prepare as best as possible, bring out the best in me and get good results. And the World Cup: That’s how it is now,” Piastri said. It sounded like a slogan for perseverance – even before he and Norris were disqualified.
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