McLaren explained the reason for the disqualification.
After the Las Vegas race both McLaren drivers were disqualified for breaching the technical regulations — skid plank wear exceeded the permitted limits. Ahead of the round in Qatar, team principal Andrea Stella explained the reasons.
Andrea Stella: “The immediate cause of the excessive skid plank wear was the unexpected onset of intense porpoising, which produced large vertical oscillations of the car. The problem was exacerbated by the conditions in which the car ran during the race and was unforeseen — after practice we did not expect anything like this in the race.
Based on the data gathered in practice, we do not believe we took an excessive risk in terms of reducing ride height. On the contrary, we increased it somewhat for qualifying and the race, creating the necessary margin.
After the Las Vegas race both McLaren drivers were disqualified for breaching the technical regulations — skid plank wear exceeded the permitted limits. Ahead of the round in Qatar, team principal Andrea Stella explained the reasons.
Andrea Stella: “The immediate cause of the excessive skid plank wear was the unexpected onset of intense porpoising, which produced large vertical oscillations of the car. The problem was exacerbated by the conditions in which the car ran during the race and was unforeseen — after practice we did not expect anything like this in the race.
Based on the data gathered in practice, we do not believe we took an excessive risk in terms of reducing ride height. On the contrary, we increased it somewhat for qualifying and the race, creating the necessary margin.
Mercedes expects competition from clients.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that if Mercedes engineers once again build the best power unit in 2026, they may not be able to achieve dominance like in 2014 because of competition from customer teams. Especially since their current customer, McLaren, has won the Constructors' Championship for the second year in a row.
Toto Wolff: "If our power unit turns out to be the best, it will help four teams at once. Alpine started work on the new car very early, paying a lot of attention to aerodynamics – this year they are not very quick, so they devoted all their time to the new project. A similar situation applies at Williams – they have the same advantage. So our main rivals are our customers. Next year the simulator will become the most important tool for unlocking the car's maximum speed on the real track.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that if Mercedes engineers once again build the best power unit in 2026, they may not be able to achieve dominance like in 2014 because of competition from customer teams. Especially since their current customer, McLaren, has won the Constructors' Championship for the second year in a row.
Toto Wolff: "If our power unit turns out to be the best, it will help four teams at once. Alpine started work on the new car very early, paying a lot of attention to aerodynamics – this year they are not very quick, so they devoted all their time to the new project. A similar situation applies at Williams – they have the same advantage. So our main rivals are our customers. Next year the simulator will become the most important tool for unlocking the car's maximum speed on the real track.
The FIA is ready to reconsider the regulatory requirements.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that the FIA is examining the possibility of changing the regulations after the disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas.
The McLaren drivers were disqualified because the thickness of the skid plank under the floor was less than the 9 millimetre minimum allowed by the regulations. The team could not challenge the stewards' decision because the regulations clearly state that a technical non-compliance automatically leads to disqualification. However, Stella said that the FIA is exploring the possibility of applying less severe sanctions in future depending on the severity of the infringement.
“We, together with the technical delegate, confirmed the correctness of the skid plank thickness measurement,” Andrea Stella said.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that the FIA is examining the possibility of changing the regulations after the disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas.
The McLaren drivers were disqualified because the thickness of the skid plank under the floor was less than the 9 millimetre minimum allowed by the regulations. The team could not challenge the stewards' decision because the regulations clearly state that a technical non-compliance automatically leads to disqualification. However, Stella said that the FIA is exploring the possibility of applying less severe sanctions in future depending on the severity of the infringement.
“We, together with the technical delegate, confirmed the correctness of the skid plank thickness measurement,” Andrea Stella said.
Newey gave Horner a tour of the Aston Martin base.
The British press reports that Adrian Newey gave Christian Horner a tour of the Aston Martin base "under cover of darkness."
In the days of the Las Vegas Grand Prix there was active discussion in the paddock of a scenario in which Christian Horner would return to Formula 1 in the foreseeable future as team principal at Aston Martin. However, on Wednesday evening the team unexpectedly announced that, instead of Andy Cowell, Adrian Newey would become the team principal next season. But according to BBC Sport, Horner was at the Aston Martin base.
According to their source, Newey gave his former Red Bull colleague a tour of the Aston Martin base on Tuesday evening. BBC Sport adds, citing sources within the team, that Horner will not be given any role at Aston Martin.
The British press reports that Adrian Newey gave Christian Horner a tour of the Aston Martin base "under cover of darkness."
In the days of the Las Vegas Grand Prix there was active discussion in the paddock of a scenario in which Christian Horner would return to Formula 1 in the foreseeable future as team principal at Aston Martin. However, on Wednesday evening the team unexpectedly announced that, instead of Andy Cowell, Adrian Newey would become the team principal next season. But according to BBC Sport, Horner was at the Aston Martin base.
According to their source, Newey gave his former Red Bull colleague a tour of the Aston Martin base on Tuesday evening. BBC Sport adds, citing sources within the team, that Horner will not be given any role at Aston Martin.
Piastri is not ready to help his teammate in the fight for the title.
With two races remaining in the season, Oscar Piastri is 24 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings, having the same number of points as Max Verstappen. In Qatar, before the start of the race weekend, Oscar Piastri was asked if he was prepared to help his teammate in the fight against Verstappen for the title.
Oscar Piastri: "We briefly discussed it, and the answer is no. I have as many points as Max, and I still have a shot at the title if everything goes my way. That's how we'll act. As I said, I believe I still have a chance, and in the past others have won from similar situations, so my title is not impossible. Although I understand it's a rather risky scenario for me. Even if I have two perfect final weekends, that still doesn't guarantee anything.
With two races remaining in the season, Oscar Piastri is 24 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings, having the same number of points as Max Verstappen. In Qatar, before the start of the race weekend, Oscar Piastri was asked if he was prepared to help his teammate in the fight against Verstappen for the title.
Oscar Piastri: "We briefly discussed it, and the answer is no. I have as many points as Max, and I still have a shot at the title if everything goes my way. That's how we'll act. As I said, I believe I still have a chance, and in the past others have won from similar situations, so my title is not impossible. Although I understand it's a rather risky scenario for me. Even if I have two perfect final weekends, that still doesn't guarantee anything.
The championship leader, Lando Norris, said on Thursday in Qatar that the disqualification in Vegas was not unexpected…
Lando Norris: "We knew it was possible; what happened didn't shock us and wasn't a surprise. We were prepared for that outcome. After the race we debriefed, talked about what was good, what was bad, and where we can improve. Otherwise we took it all fairly calmly.
Of course it was painful and unpleasant. Every weekend everyone in our team, including me, gives their maximum effort. The mechanics, engineers, management, me — everyone at McLaren was upset, but a few days have passed, I rested, switched my focus to this round and am ready to fight.
Could I have coasted earlier in the race to reduce wear on the skid plank? It's not that simple. Slowing down can sometimes even increase the bouncing. I don't think my actions could have seriously affected the plank's wear."
Lando Norris: "We knew it was possible; what happened didn't shock us and wasn't a surprise. We were prepared for that outcome. After the race we debriefed, talked about what was good, what was bad, and where we can improve. Otherwise we took it all fairly calmly.
Of course it was painful and unpleasant. Every weekend everyone in our team, including me, gives their maximum effort. The mechanics, engineers, management, me — everyone at McLaren was upset, but a few days have passed, I rested, switched my focus to this round and am ready to fight.
Could I have coasted earlier in the race to reduce wear on the skid plank? It's not that simple. Slowing down can sometimes even increase the bouncing. I don't think my actions could have seriously affected the plank's wear."
Isack Hadjar is considered the frontrunner for a seat at Red Bull Racing next season. In Qatar the French driver was asked whether his results this weekend and at the final weekend could affect his future.
"No, absolutely not," Isack Hadjar replied. "Decisions are not made based on the results of the 22nd or 23rd race. The average is taken into account and is considered when making the decision.
So I could have the worst weekend in history, and it would change nothing."
Earlier we quoted Helmut Marko, who said that the decision on the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls line-ups for next season would be made before the Abu Dhabi round.
"No, absolutely not," Isack Hadjar replied. "Decisions are not made based on the results of the 22nd or 23rd race. The average is taken into account and is considered when making the decision.
So I could have the worst weekend in history, and it would change nothing."
Earlier we quoted Helmut Marko, who said that the decision on the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls line-ups for next season would be made before the Abu Dhabi round.
Alex Albon disagrees with Andrea Stella's arguments.
Commenting on the disqualification in Vegas, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said the FIA needs to apply penalties proportionally, and to punish minor breaches of the technical regulations lightly. Williams driver Alex Albon disagrees…
Alex Albon: “In Formula 1, every team has to adhere to the technical limits to the millimetre, but everyone makes mistakes.
We set the ride height depending on the wind direction, and if on the main straight it suddenly becomes a headwind, that will change the ride height. If the wind shifts, you start to get nervous, take precautions and make adjustments. In a weekend with a Saturday sprint, when there is only one practice and you don’t have enough information, you play it safe and choose the more conservative option.
Commenting on the disqualification in Vegas, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said the FIA needs to apply penalties proportionally, and to punish minor breaches of the technical regulations lightly. Williams driver Alex Albon disagrees…
Alex Albon: “In Formula 1, every team has to adhere to the technical limits to the millimetre, but everyone makes mistakes.
We set the ride height depending on the wind direction, and if on the main straight it suddenly becomes a headwind, that will change the ride height. If the wind shifts, you start to get nervous, take precautions and make adjustments. In a weekend with a Saturday sprint, when there is only one practice and you don’t have enough information, you play it safe and choose the more conservative option.
Franco Colapinto is having a difficult season – the Argentine driver replaced Jack Duen behind the wheel of the Alpine at the May round in Imola, but he still hasn't scored any points. In Qatar Franco admitted that he is eagerly awaiting 2026.
"I'm really looking forward to 2026," Franco Colapinto told the press in Qatar. "I hope to have a full year that will start with pre-season testing, and that I will be working with the car from the very beginning. That should help, and it will be radically different from this year's situation.
I got behind the wheel in the middle of the season, knowing little. Moreover, I never really managed to sort out some things that drivers usually figure out at the start of the year. I believe it will help me a lot next year that I'll be able to get to work from the very beginning."
"I'm really looking forward to 2026," Franco Colapinto told the press in Qatar. "I hope to have a full year that will start with pre-season testing, and that I will be working with the car from the very beginning. That should help, and it will be radically different from this year's situation.
I got behind the wheel in the middle of the season, knowing little. Moreover, I never really managed to sort out some things that drivers usually figure out at the start of the year. I believe it will help me a lot next year that I'll be able to get to work from the very beginning."
To avoid tyre damage during the race, Pirelli limited the maximum stint length – on a single set of tyres in Qatar you can do no more than 25 laps. Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon believes this will remove variability from strategy and make the race boring.
Esteban Ocon: “Because of Pirelli’s decision we’re in for a boring race. Obviously the teams’ strategists are disappointed with this Pirelli decision, which is not in the fans’ interests, but we all have to play by the same rules.
I understand why this is happening. Pirelli have concerns about safety, and they always take a very strict approach to that.”
Esteban Ocon: “Because of Pirelli’s decision we’re in for a boring race. Obviously the teams’ strategists are disappointed with this Pirelli decision, which is not in the fans’ interests, but we all have to play by the same rules.
I understand why this is happening. Pirelli have concerns about safety, and they always take a very strict approach to that.”
Fernando Alonso: Newey's appointment is good news
On the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix Aston Martin underwent an unexpected reshuffle – in 2026 Adrian Newey will become the team's new team principal. On Thursday at the Losail circuit the team's driver Fernando Alonso commented on the appointment of the renowned engineer.
When asked whether he had discussed with Newey the possibility of Adrian becoming team principal, Fernando said: "Not really. We talked more about technical issues related to the car rather than future plans.
But it's good news. Adrian has been leading the car's technical development and the team, and has been responsible for the areas we needed to strengthen. So he was already handling much of the management inside the team, whereas Andy Cowell was more responsible for the engine and its integration with the chassis.
It's probably a logical step with 2026 in mind.
On the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix Aston Martin underwent an unexpected reshuffle – in 2026 Adrian Newey will become the team's new team principal. On Thursday at the Losail circuit the team's driver Fernando Alonso commented on the appointment of the renowned engineer.
When asked whether he had discussed with Newey the possibility of Adrian becoming team principal, Fernando said: "Not really. We talked more about technical issues related to the car rather than future plans.
But it's good news. Adrian has been leading the car's technical development and the team, and has been responsible for the areas we needed to strengthen. So he was already handling much of the management inside the team, whereas Andy Cowell was more responsible for the engine and its integration with the chassis.
It's probably a logical step with 2026 in mind.
Antonelli: The mid-season crisis taught me a lot
On Thursday in Qatar Kimi Antonelli spoke about the Vegas race, the objectives for this weekend and the season as a whole...
Question: Kimi, last weekend's result [3rd place] wasn't the best of your career, but could you call the last race your best?
Kimi Antonelli: I think so. We did a great job. The strategy was risky, but it worked, changing the course of my race. In terms of execution everything was very good. I think, from my side, it was probably the best race of the season so far. I used everything I've learned over the season, carefully managing the tyres' condition. I enjoyed it.
Question: What has your debut season in Formula 1 taught you most?
Kimi Antonelli: A lot, but obviously the process is ongoing. I better understand what I need on track and off it, and I know that a lot depends on getting the setup right before a session.
On Thursday in Qatar Kimi Antonelli spoke about the Vegas race, the objectives for this weekend and the season as a whole...
Question: Kimi, last weekend's result [3rd place] wasn't the best of your career, but could you call the last race your best?
Kimi Antonelli: I think so. We did a great job. The strategy was risky, but it worked, changing the course of my race. In terms of execution everything was very good. I think, from my side, it was probably the best race of the season so far. I used everything I've learned over the season, carefully managing the tyres' condition. I enjoyed it.
Question: What has your debut season in Formula 1 taught you most?
Kimi Antonelli: A lot, but obviously the process is ongoing. I better understand what I need on track and off it, and I know that a lot depends on getting the setup right before a session.
Lewis Hamilton: I don't regret my decision to join Ferrari.
At the FIA press conference in Qatar, Lewis Hamilton was not particularly talkative and answered many questions tersely, although he likes to chat when he's in a good mood. The seven-time world champion was asked to comment on his words in Las Vegas that he isn't particularly looking forward to next season.
"I'd be surprised if it turned out that other drivers are looking forward to next year at the end of the season, because usually by the end of the season you have no energy left," Lewis Hamilton replied. "You usually look forward to the chance to spend time with your family and things like that.
I said those words when I was upset. Often after the finish, especially if the race went badly, you feel strong disappointment. Actually I'm interested in what the team is preparing for next year, and I will continue to develop the car with them.
At the FIA press conference in Qatar, Lewis Hamilton was not particularly talkative and answered many questions tersely, although he likes to chat when he's in a good mood. The seven-time world champion was asked to comment on his words in Las Vegas that he isn't particularly looking forward to next season.
"I'd be surprised if it turned out that other drivers are looking forward to next year at the end of the season, because usually by the end of the season you have no energy left," Lewis Hamilton replied. "You usually look forward to the chance to spend time with your family and things like that.
I said those words when I was upset. Often after the finish, especially if the race went badly, you feel strong disappointment. Actually I'm interested in what the team is preparing for next year, and I will continue to develop the car with them.
Berman: I want to finish the season on a high note.
Oliver Berman scored points in five consecutive races and arrived in Qatar in good spirits…
Oliver Berman: "Since new parts were fitted to the car in Austin, I feel much more comfortable, although even before that we had a decent run. In Mexico we finished 4th, in Brazil 6th, in Las Vegas 12th — and we managed to move up to 10th.
The race in Vegas was a good indication that even on a bad weekend we can fight for points. Yes, we were lucky to score points, but the circuit did not suit our car, and in terms of strategy and my feeling for the car the race didn't go our way. But despite all that, we finished very close to the points, and ultimately scored them after rivals were disqualified. That makes me optimistic ahead of the two final rounds of this year.
Oliver Berman scored points in five consecutive races and arrived in Qatar in good spirits…
Oliver Berman: "Since new parts were fitted to the car in Austin, I feel much more comfortable, although even before that we had a decent run. In Mexico we finished 4th, in Brazil 6th, in Las Vegas 12th — and we managed to move up to 10th.
The race in Vegas was a good indication that even on a bad weekend we can fight for points. Yes, we were lucky to score points, but the circuit did not suit our car, and in terms of strategy and my feeling for the car the race didn't go our way. But despite all that, we finished very close to the points, and ultimately scored them after rivals were disqualified. That makes me optimistic ahead of the two final rounds of this year.
Charles Leclerc had said several times that he didn't like the 2026 cars, but in Qatar he changed his stance…
Charles Leclerc: "I like that next year we'll have to change our approach, think and act differently. After the first simulator session with the virtual model of the new car everyone at the team's base had questions, but the process of collectively thinking about how to smartly solve certain problems was quite interesting.
As a driver, I found that interesting too, because it largely concerns our feelings and what tools we'll use to fight opponents on track.
I don't know whether driving will give the same pleasure — that can only be judged behind the wheel of a real car. It's hard to get those sensations on a simulator. But, undoubtedly, during a race we'll have to think much more about how to optimally use the extra energy we'll get over a lap."
Charles Leclerc: "I like that next year we'll have to change our approach, think and act differently. After the first simulator session with the virtual model of the new car everyone at the team's base had questions, but the process of collectively thinking about how to smartly solve certain problems was quite interesting.
As a driver, I found that interesting too, because it largely concerns our feelings and what tools we'll use to fight opponents on track.
I don't know whether driving will give the same pleasure — that can only be judged behind the wheel of a real car. It's hard to get those sensations on a simulator. But, undoubtedly, during a race we'll have to think much more about how to optimally use the extra energy we'll get over a lap."
Nico Hülkenberg: The team is undergoing changes.
The Hinwil team is racing its final Grands Prix as Sauber. Next year it will become Audi’s works team, and in Qatar Nico Hülkenberg assessed how much progress has already been made this season.
Nico Hülkenberg: “Of course, we’ve had ups and downs, like any midfield team. At the start of the season we were playing catch-up, not in the best positions, but after Barcelona we managed to turn the tide and take control of the situation. We had a few strong performances, some big results. Overall, we’ve made good progress.
I can see changes happening behind the scenes, how the team is growing. We’ve really managed to come together and improve in many aspects. Of course there’s always more to improve and work on, but it was great, and I’m looking forward to the next twelve months.
The Hinwil team is racing its final Grands Prix as Sauber. Next year it will become Audi’s works team, and in Qatar Nico Hülkenberg assessed how much progress has already been made this season.
Nico Hülkenberg: “Of course, we’ve had ups and downs, like any midfield team. At the start of the season we were playing catch-up, not in the best positions, but after Barcelona we managed to turn the tide and take control of the situation. We had a few strong performances, some big results. Overall, we’ve made good progress.
I can see changes happening behind the scenes, how the team is growing. We’ve really managed to come together and improve in many aspects. Of course there’s always more to improve and work on, but it was great, and I’m looking forward to the next twelve months.
On Thursday in Qatar, Oscar Piastri said that McLaren would not use team orders this weekend in the fight for the title – and Max Verstappen backs that approach.
Max Verstappen: "Perfect! There's nothing better than letting them fight each other. If I were in Oscar's position, if someone told me I had to let Norris through, I wouldn't even listen.
I'd tell them to 'get lost.' If you're a real driver, you have to fight, even if you're behind. Otherwise what's the point of turning up? That way you could remain a 'number two driver' for life, and I don't think Oscar is ready to accept that status.
As for me, I know I have the same number of points as Oscar, and a lot would have to fall into place for success to go my way. But I think they should be free to fight each other in the race. I hope we give the fans a great end to the season!"
Max Verstappen: "Perfect! There's nothing better than letting them fight each other. If I were in Oscar's position, if someone told me I had to let Norris through, I wouldn't even listen.
I'd tell them to 'get lost.' If you're a real driver, you have to fight, even if you're behind. Otherwise what's the point of turning up? That way you could remain a 'number two driver' for life, and I don't think Oscar is ready to accept that status.
As for me, I know I have the same number of points as Oscar, and a lot would have to fall into place for success to go my way. But I think they should be free to fight each other in the race. I hope we give the fans a great end to the season!"
Last year the round in Qatar turned out to be one of the most difficult of the season for Racing Bulls. Liam Lawson hopes the team will show a higher level this weekend.
Liam Lawson: "We had a lot of races where we expected to be quick, but in reality it turned out to be the opposite. There were also cases the other way around. Last year the round in Qatar proved to be one of the toughest for us. I hope that means that for some reason we'll perform well this year. But it's hard to make predictions.
The Qatar track is very different from the Vegas circuit, but right now our car is in much better shape than last year, and we understand it better ourselves.
Of course, because it's a sprint round it will be tougher, but I hope we have a good weekend."
Liam Lawson: "We had a lot of races where we expected to be quick, but in reality it turned out to be the opposite. There were also cases the other way around. Last year the round in Qatar proved to be one of the toughest for us. I hope that means that for some reason we'll perform well this year. But it's hard to make predictions.
The Qatar track is very different from the Vegas circuit, but right now our car is in much better shape than last year, and we understand it better ourselves.
Of course, because it's a sprint round it will be tougher, but I hope we have a good weekend."
Russell won't miss the rocking cars.
On Thursday in Qatar George Russell recalled the first Mercedes built to the regulations in force – the 2022 W13 without sidepods, which suffered most from porpoising.
The drivers really took a beating from it back then – in Baku Lewis Hamilton could barely get out of the cockpit, and Russell offered to have the senior engineer sit behind the wheel, but health and safety forbade it...
George Russell: "We have a 'lap replay' mode on the simulator; Lewis and I wanted to put one of our engineers in the cockpit so they could understand what we feel behind the wheel on the Baku track. But a health and safety officer said it was too dangerous.
But it was about one lap, and we race for an hour and a half, we're shaken all over — back, body, eyes.
On Thursday in Qatar George Russell recalled the first Mercedes built to the regulations in force – the 2022 W13 without sidepods, which suffered most from porpoising.
The drivers really took a beating from it back then – in Baku Lewis Hamilton could barely get out of the cockpit, and Russell offered to have the senior engineer sit behind the wheel, but health and safety forbade it...
George Russell: "We have a 'lap replay' mode on the simulator; Lewis and I wanted to put one of our engineers in the cockpit so they could understand what we feel behind the wheel on the Baku track. But a health and safety officer said it was too dangerous.
But it was about one lap, and we race for an hour and a half, we're shaken all over — back, body, eyes.