As the sun set on the glittering Las Vegas strip, Formula 1 fans around the world were treated to a dramatic and unpredictable Grand Prix. However, the on-track battles and tactical masterstrokes were overshadowed late Sunday by a looming technical controversy involving McLaren's drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both found themselves at the center of a post-race storm after their cars were found to have excessive wear on their underfloor planks, a violation that could lead to severe penalties or even disqualification.
The FIA, always vigilant in ensuring compliance with technical regulations, flagged up both McLaren machines during the standard post-race checks. The focus of concern was the wooden plank—a critical component located on the underside of each F1 car, designed to limit how close the car can run to the ground. Over the course of the high-speed, bumpy Las Vegas circuit, the planks on Norris’ and Piastri’s cars were found to have worn down below the legal thickness limit prescribed by the rules.
The rule, introduced decades ago, aims to control how aggressively teams set up their cars, preventing dangerous levels of ground contact and maintaining a level playing field. Plank wear infractions are rare but carry heavy consequences: previous incidents have resulted in disqualifications, most notably Michael Schumacher’s infamous exclusion from the 1994 Belgian Grand Prix. In this instance, both Norris and Piastri risk being excluded from the results—a devastating blow for McLaren, especially after a weekend spent battling at the sharp end of the field.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, marking a triumphant return to Sin City for the first time since the 1980s, presented teams with unique challenges. The circuit’s layout—combining long straights with tight corners—forced teams to make difficult compromises with their car setups. The surface was newly laid and extremely slippery during initial practice sessions, while the combination of cold night-time temperatures and unpredictable grip levels placed extra strain on tyres and suspensions. Many engineers believed running their cars with lower ride heights would maximize performance, but this significantly increases the risk of excessive plank wear.
Sources in the F1 paddock revealed that while McLaren’s bold approach provided impressive pace, the team may have underestimated the impact of repeated bottoming out on Vegas’ undulating tarmac. Both Norris and Piastri reported heavy contact with the ground during the race, especially over the notorious bumps scarring certain sections of the track. While other teams also flirted with the limits, it was McLaren’s duo that ultimately tripped the alarms in the scrutineering bay.
Should the stewards confirm the plank infringement, McLaren could lose vital championship points at a crucial stage in the season. For Norris, who had hoped to cement his top-five position in the Drivers’ standings, the threat of disqualification is especially bitter. For Piastri, still in his rookie season, the lessons will be harsh but valuable. Team principal Andrea Stella remained tight-lipped post-race, but McLaren have already lodged their explanations—arguing that the excessive wear was the unintended consequence of the track’s unique characteristics, not an intentional breach of the rules.
Plank disqualifications are among the most clear-cut regulations in Formula 1’s exhaustive technical code. While stewards can listen to mitigating circumstances, the measurement itself is unambiguous. It’s a situation that will be watched keenly by every paddock insider and supporter worldwide—as the final decision could have serious knock-on effects for the Constructors’ Championship.
Whatever the outcome, the Las Vegas GP has become not just a showpiece for the glitz and glamour of F1, but a real test of engineering acumen and regulatory compliance. Teams up and down the grid will no doubt review their ride height strategies before the season’s finale, aware that in this hyper-competitive era, even a millimeter of wood can mean the difference between jubilation and heartbreak.
For fans, the drama highlights a unique aspect of Formula 1—where the tiniest technical details can shape the fortunes of titans. As the dust settles in Nevada, one thing is certain: every race is a lesson, and every challenge an opportunity to push the limits.
