FIA increases scrutiny on McLaren as title fight heads to Qatar

November 26, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

McLaren enter the Qatar Grand Prix weekend under more detailed inspection from Formula One’s governing body, following a turbulent sequence of events that began with both cars being excluded from the results in Las Vegas.

With only two rounds left in the season and the championship picture tightening, the team now faces heightened pressure on and off the track.

Qatar backdrop

Officials are preparing for extensive checks throughout the weekend at Lusail, a circuit known for its long corners, abrasive surface and intense desert temperatures.

These conditions place unusual strain on the underside of the cars and historically increase the likelihood of excessive plank wear.

Engineers in the paddock have noted that Lusail is one of the tracks where teams often run closest to the minimum ride height, making even small deviations significant.

The championship context adds further tension. Lando Norris enters the weekend narrowly ahead in the standings, with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen still within striking distance.

A single disqualification or mechanical setback could shape the outcome of the title.

Las Vegas fallout

The FIA’s increased attention stems largely from the events in Nevada, where both McLaren drivers were removed from the final classification. According to stewards’ documents, retrieved by GiveMeSport, from that weekend, the skid blocks beneath both cars measured below the required nine millimetres after the race.

Norris had originally finished second and Piastri fourth, but their exclusion erased 18 and 12 points respectively. The loss tightened the championship considerably, allowing Verstappen to close the gap.

The team issued a statement that evening with principal Andrea Stella apologising to the drivers and acknowledging the disappointment of losing points at such a critical point in the year.

McLaren linked the excessive wear to unexpected bouncing over the Las Vegas street surface, which created irregular loads during the race.

Allegations resurface

The FIA has been monitoring concerns related to skid block behaviour since rival teams raised questions during the Brazilian Grand Prix earlier in the season.

According to individuals familiar with those discussions, several competitors suggested that some cars on the grid might be benefitting from components that change characteristics under extreme heat.

The governing body did not publicly identify specific teams at that time, but the issue was added to their routine technical inspections.

With McLaren’s Las Vegas breach now on record, officials are prepared to review the cars more frequently throughout the Qatar weekend, including after practice sessions and qualifying.

Engineers say plank wear as small as a fraction of a millimetre can influence downforce and cornering stability, which is why even microscopic irregularities draw investigation.

Technical context

Skid blocks, often called planks, were introduced in the mid 1990s to limit how low teams could run their cars. Excessive wear signals an illegally low ride height, which can dramatically increase aerodynamic performance.

The FIA has issued several technical directives since the return of ground effect regulations in 2022 to prevent flexible or expanding components.

Trackside technicians expect inspections to be particularly strict in Qatar because its combination of heat and sustained lateral forces can accelerate wear beyond normal predictions.

Championship pressure

The heightened oversight arrives at a crucial moment for McLaren. Norris has an opportunity to extend his lead in the standings, and Piastri remains mathematically in the fight.

Any further irregularities, even if unintended, could have major consequences for both drivers. The team has stated that it remains focused on executing the final two rounds cleanly amid increased scrutiny.

As the grid prepares for a demanding weekend, McLaren’s performance, reliability and compliance will be watched closely by rivals and officials alike.

With margins tightening across the championship and the season nearing its finale, the team will aim to navigate both the track conditions and regulatory pressure without further setbacks.