The FIA discovered the problem during post-race checks and passed the matter to the race stewards, who confirmed the disqualification. Both drivers had plank wear beyond the allowed limit, which is set at 1 mm. New planks must be 10 mm thick, and the minimum allowed after the race is 9 mm, but both Norris and Piastri’s cars measured below this. Piastri’s front and rear planks were 8.88 mm and 8.93 mm, while Norris’s were the same.

The measurements were made using a high-precision Mitutoyo micrometer, accurate to 0.001 mm. McLaren argued that the wear was caused by unexpected porpoising, limited testing due to bad weather, and shortened practice sessions. They also noted that the wear was less than other breaches of the rule this year.

However, the FIA pointed out that there is no provision for a reduced penalty, and disqualification is the standard consequence, even if the breach was unintentional. The stewards agreed and applied the usual rules, saying the team’s explanations were not enough to avoid the penalty.

This is the first time in McLaren’s history that both cars have been removed from the classification in the same race. As a result, George Russell has moved up to second place, while Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has taken the final podium position.

Despite the disqualification, Norris remains at the top of the championship, but his lead over Piastri has been reduced to 24 points. Max Verstappen, who won in Las Vegas, is now level on points with Piastri, leaving the championship battle wide open with two races still to go.