P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA reveal Norris and Piastri Qatar GP checks after double disqualification
The FIA reported conducting checks on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s McLaren F1 cars after the Qatar Grand Prix, following Norris finishing fourth and Piastri second behind the winner Max Verstappen, setting up a three-way title battle at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The tight championship race was partly a result of Norris and Piastri being disqualified at the Las Vegas GP for excessive skid block wear, although both cars passed inspections this time around, as did those of Verstappen and Sainz.
Random post-race inspections included testing various elements on all cars, such as front wing gurneys and tyre temperatures, confirming compliance with F1 regulations and keeping the final standings unchanged.
Heading into the season finale, Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points, with Piastri trailing by another four, setting up a dramatic showdown in Abu Dhabi between the three contenders.
The significant stakes in play mark the first time since 2021 that the drivers’ championship remains undecided going into the last race, with all three contenders vying for their first title or fifth consecutive world title for Verstappen.
McLaren faced scrutiny for the disqualifications in Las Vegas due to marginal skid block wear, leading their team principal to question the severity of the penalties and call for a reevaluation of the rules regarding such violations.
