McLaren now finds itself under heightened scrutiny as the FIA prepares to “closely monitor” the team throughout the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, following allegations from rivals that a technical loophole may have been exploited. The controversy intensified after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were stripped of their second- and fourth-place finishes due to excessive skid-block wear—a setback that abruptly halted Norris’ momentum in the title fight. Despite leading the standings by 24 points over both Piastri and Max Verstappen, Norris’ disqualification has injected fresh tension into an already volatile championship finale.
Reports from Japanese outlet as-web.jp indicate that the FIA uncovered evidence during the Brazilian Grand Prix suggesting that several teams were experimenting with heated, expanding skid blocks—an illegal practice capable of manipulating wear measurements. Concerned team principals and technical directors allegedly approached the FIA with their suspicions, prompting the governing body to intensify inspections. Although McLaren’s Vegas infringement was attributed to “unexpected” porpoising, the team has now been placed under additional observation as officials seek to ensure complete regulatory compliance.
McLaren has argued that disrupted practice sessions—affected heavily by rain and red flags—prevented them from gathering the dry-running data necessary to accurately predict skid-block degradation. This lack of preparation, they claim, contributed to the unanticipated wear that ultimately triggered the double disqualification. Team principal Andrea Stella issued a public apology to both drivers, acknowledging the immense frustration of losing points during a decisive phase of the season. Despite the setback, Stella reaffirmed the team’s resolve as they enter the final two rounds with championship ambitions still within reach.
Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure as his form has wavered in recent weeks. Yet Qatar offers familiar territory: he has twice finished on the podium at the Losail Circuit and previously won consecutive sprint races there in 2023 and 2024. With Verstappen unbeaten in Qatar for the past two seasons, Piastri will require a resurgent performance to preserve any mathematical chance of securing his maiden title. For Norris, maintaining composure while under the microscope will be essential as the championship margin tightens.
The FIA’s increased vigilance ensures that McLaren’s pace in Qatar will be analyzed with exceptional rigor, transforming the weekend into both a competitive duel and a regulatory test. With high-speed corners favoring the McLaren package, the team enters Losail with genuine performance potential—but also with the burden of avoiding further infractions. As the season approaches its dramatic conclusion, every technical detail, every millimeter of wear, and every strategic calculation will carry profound implications for the unfolding title battle.
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