The 2023 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix proved to be a technical challenge not just for drivers, but for the teams as well. The bright city lights and unique street circuit delivered a memorable race, but for McLaren—and several other teams—it raised significant technical questions. During post-race scrutineering, FIA officials disqualified the cars of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris due to excessive wear on their cars’ underfloor planks, prompting widespread discussion within the paddock regarding track conditions and car setups.
Track surface abrasion is always an important consideration, especially when venturing to a new circuit. Teams typically only have simulation data and limited real-world practice before setting up their cars for qualifying and the race. Las Vegas’ newly laid tarmac and bumpy surface, especially at high-speed sections, proved more aggressive on skid blocks than anticipated. McLaren explained that their calculations prior to the race suggested the wear would remain within the acceptable limit, but post-race inspection showed their car had exceeded the maximum organic plank wear permitted by regulations.
This sort of disqualification is rare in modern F1 but not unheard of, particularly when cars are run very low to the ground to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. The fine line between performance optimization and regulatory compliance is pushed to the limit by engineering teams racing for every hundredth of a second. The consequences, however, are felt heavily by the drivers and teams who lose out on hard-earned points.
Several factors contributed to the plank wear issues in Las Vegas. Teams set their cars to be particularly low for the smooth-surfaced street circuit to maximize downforce and minimize drag. However, some unexpected track roughness and excessive bouncing on certain curbs exacerbated the plank wear, making predictions difficult even for top engineering groups. McLaren’s engineers have since committed to a thorough internal investigation, seeking to understand whether their simulation models missed critical details or whether other variables, such as tyre pressures or kerb usage, played a decisive role.
For Formula 1 fans, these technical disqualifications are a reminder of the sport’s complexity and ever-present drama. It’s not only the drivers’ skill that determines the outcome, but a meticulous balancing act of setup choices, engineering calculations, and tireless efforts of whole teams. McLaren’s transparency in explaining their process is commendable and reflects wider paddock respect for the depth and integrity of technical regulations, even when those rules sting.
Next steps for McLaren and their peers involve a review of simulation accuracy versus race reality, increased focus on live wear data, and greater caution regarding ride height decisions at new or resurfaced tracks. These lessons are not lost on teams aiming to extract every bit of pace legally possible. Technical staff will no doubt employ more conservative setups, recalibrating their trade-off between car speed and compliance with the famously strict FIA rulebook.
The disqualifications at Las Vegas may have robbed some drivers and fans of deserved results, but they also serve an important evolutionary function for F1. They push technology and procedures forward, ensure a level playing field, and provide talking points that animate conversation from the garages to grandstands. With every setback and surprise, Formula 1 reaffirms its status as the most sophisticated form of auto racing in the world. As the sport heads towards Abu Dhabi and a thrilling season end, teams like McLaren will have learned—not just about going fast, but about the precision demanded at the very top of motorsport.
