McLaren To Be ‘Monitored’ by FIA at Qatar GP As Teams Make ‘Loophole’ Complaint
McLaren are set to be 'closely monitored' at this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix after teams reportedly complained to the FIA about a supposed 'loophole'.
It looked as though McLaren's Lando Norris had taken another step towards the world title when he crossed the line in second-place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
However, both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished fourth, were disqualified several hours after the race ended.
They were penalised for excessive skid block wear, with both cars measuring below the 9mm limit.
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According to Japanese outlet as-web.jp, the FIA became aware of multiple teams using an illegal practice during the Brazilian Grand Prix earlier this month.
The FIA reportedly found evidence that some teams were using skid blocks that expand when heated.
The report claims that several team principals and technical directors approached the FIA with their suspicions.
In Las Vegas, both McLarens were disqualified because of their skid block.
Last Words on Sports has now reported McLaren's pace will be 'closely monitored' this weekend in Qatar.
The team will be under pressure to avoid further penalties while maintaining performance at a crucial stage of the season.
Although Norris remains the strong favourite to win a maiden world title, Sunday's disqualification could prove costly.
McLaren argued that red flags and wet weathers during practice limited their dry running.
Dry runs during practice allow teams to gather data about their car's performance, including information about how much the skid block wears during normal conditions.
In Las Vegas, McLaren's skid blocks were worn down by "unexpected" purposing, which occurs when the car bounces on the track.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella apologised to his drivers for the setback.
He said: "We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today, at a critical time in their championship campaigns after two strong performances from them all weekend.
"As a team, we also apologise to our partners and fans, whose support means so much.
"While this outcome is extremely disappointing, we remain fully focused on the last two races of the season."
The team will be hoping for a strong performance in Qatar, with the high-speed corners well-suited to their car.
Verstappen has won the Qatar Grand Prix for the past two years, but Piastri has made the podium in both races.
The Australian also won the sprint race around the Losail Circuit in both 2023 and 2024.
Piastri will need another strong showing this weekend if he is to retain any hope of winning a first world title.
Topics: Formula 1, McLaren, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, FIA
James Taylor