ORF expert Alexander Wurz explains McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas—and hints that something was already brewing in the background in Brazil.
ORF expert Alexander Wurz talks about the disqualification of the two McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after the Las Vegas Grand Prix and is particularly surprised by the extremely quick measurement after the race. Could there be more to it than McLaren is admitting?
“The Formula 1 rumor mill is already saying that in Brazil, several other teams asked the FIA how it was possible that some cars in the field with such low ride height were able to pass technical inspection with the skid pads,” said the Austrian in an ORF interview. “Something was definitely brewing there.”
The speed with which the FIA checked both McLarens immediately after the race was particularly striking. Wurz: “When I see how quickly the McLarens were measured after the finish, it could well be that the FIA was alerted to this by other teams.”
It is also possible that they deliberately tested immediately: “Maybe when the car is still hot or whatever.” The result: “That’s where this excessive wear has occurred.” However, Wurz emphasizes: “These are just rumors.”
Wurz: “Otherwise you’re out of the game”
Despite all the speculation, Wurz shows understanding for McLaren’s aggressive approach. “I understand that they are pushing the limits. The two of us can easily talk about why they are doing this. But if you don’t do it, you’re out of the game.”
In Formula 1, the battle is fought for microscopic advantages: “It’s about the nitty-gritty. And it’s also about every millimeter, every fraction of a millimeter.” This time, however, McLaren has crossed the line: “Now it’s too much and they’re disqualified.”
The assessment of the sporting damage is clear. “The clear loser is Lando Norris, who has lost the most.” Oscar Piastri got off relatively lightly: “One winner, actually the net winner, is Oscar Piastri, because without the disqualification he would have been 30 points behind. Now I think he’s only 24 behind, because it affects Norris more, of course.”
Wurz: Verstappen now has more than just an outside chance
Wurz is not surprised, however, as there have been similar cases in the past: “We’ve seen disqualifications like this this year. I still remember Ferrari. There’s nothing to discuss. They’re worn out and therefore disqualified.”
For Wurz, however, the ruling has far greater sporting consequences than just the loss of individual race places. “This really gets the World Championship going. And Verstappen not only has an outsider’s chance, but is now much closer than the McLaren drivers and the McLaren team boss would like.” The expert even spoke of an “incredible bombshell that happened today in Las Vegas.”
“The bottom line is that perhaps the spectators are the biggest winners, because the World Championship is coming to a head and Max Verstappen’s long-shot chance is suddenly getting closer and closer.” The Dutchman already has momentum on his side: “The guy just puts his foot down and wins. And he also has a car in Qatar that he can win with.” His recommendation: “So let’s wait and see what happens in Formula 1.”
