Stella Speaks: Unpacking McLarens Vegas Heartbreak

Published: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 2:06 am

McLaren's Vegas Nightmare: Disqualification and the Perils of Porpoising

The Formula 1 race in Las Vegas delivered a dramatic turn of events for McLaren, as a promising performance ended in disappointment. Lando Norris, who secured a second-place finish, and teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished fourth, were disqualified after the race. The reason? Excessive wear on the wooden plank located under their cars.

Team principal Andrea Stella addressed the situation, explaining that the team was caught off guard by significant porpoising, a phenomenon that has plagued this generation of ground-effect cars. This violent bouncing at high speeds, caused by aerodynamic instability, led to the plank repeatedly striking the track surface, causing it to wear down beyond the legal limit.

The Las Vegas circuit, with its long straights and unique track surface, amplified the issue. McLaren, like all teams, relies on simulations to predict car behavior and optimize performance. However, the porpoising was more aggressive than anticipated, leading to the plank wear. Stella emphasized that the team did not intentionally take excessive risks with the car's ride height, but the physics of their vehicle ultimately betrayed them.

The FIA acknowledged that the breach was unintentional, indicating that McLaren did not deliberately attempt to circumvent the regulations. However, in Formula 1, the rules are absolute. The plank was too thin, and the penalty was applied.

Stella's response has been one of leadership, taking responsibility and focusing on learning from the experience. The lost points have impacted Norris's championship standing and Piastri's position. The team must now analyze the data and prevent a recurrence of this issue.

BNN's Perspective:

This incident highlights the fine margins in Formula 1. While the penalty is harsh, it underscores the importance of adhering to regulations, even when unintentional. McLaren's response, led by Stella, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and a focus on improvement. This situation serves as a reminder that even the most sophisticated teams can be caught out by unforeseen circumstances.

Keywords: McLaren, Formula 1, Las Vegas, Disqualification, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Andrea Stella, Porpoising, Plank Wear, FIA, Championship, Regulations, Unintentional, Performance, Ground Effect.

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