McLaren disqualification disaster as Max Verstappen 'firmly' in title fight – International media reacts

Max Verstappen capitalised on an opening corner mistake from Lando Norris to win the Las Vegas Grand Prix; however, the real prize for the Dutchman came after the chequered flag. 

Several hours after the race had finished, it was announced by the FIA that both Norris and Oscar Piastri had been disqualified for excessive plank wear. 

The double McLaren disqualification moved Verstappen to within 24 points of Norris in the F1 drivers' title, putting him level on points with Piastri. 

It was a weekend in Sin City which could have a significant say on the outcome of the title, especially heading into Qatar. 

Here is how media from around the world reacted to the 22nd round of the F1 season, the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

🇬🇧 The Times - "Norris title hopes dealt huge blow after McLaren’s double disqualification"

Starting our trip around the globe, The Times in the United Kingdom has focused on McLaren's shock double disqualification. 

The newspaper specifically looked into what it means for Norris, who had finished in second, ahead of Piastri in fourth.

Prior to the DSQs, Norris' lead in the championship had extended to 30 points, while Verstappen was 42 adrift. It meant that the Briton had a significant chance of sealing the title this weekend in Qatar. 

Now, his chances have become trickier but still very possible. To win the title in Qatar, Norris must score two points more than both Piastri and Verstappen. 

🇳🇱 De Telegraaf - "McLaren team boss Andrea Stella apologizes after disqualification, frustrations with Lando Norris"

In the Netherlands, De Telegraaf also wrote about the major story that is McLaren having both of its cars disqualified. 

The skid-block on both cars measured below the legal minimum thickness of 9 mm, making it a slam-dunk disqualification based on the regulations. 

Following the confirmation of the disqualification, McLaren cancelled Andrea Stella's post-race press conference, although a statement was released by the team principal and both drivers. 

Stella apologised to both drivers for the team's mistake, while Norris insisted it was "frustrating to lose so many points".

🇪🇸 El País - "Norris and Piastri disqualified: McLaren revives Verstappen and puts him firmly in the fight for the World Championship"

In Spain, El País' main talking point was also the double McLaren disqualification and how it has opened the door to Verstappen. 

Following Verstappen's win, he had initially cut his deficit from 49 to 42 points adrift of Norris, leaving him with a huge deficit to still make up. 

If Norris had not been disqualified, Verstappen would have needed to out-score him by 17 points in Qatar to remain in the fight in Abu Dhabi. 

However, now he is only 24 adrift, meaning he will remain in the title fight as long as he finishes ahead of Norris in Qatar, regardless of the position the pair finish in.

🇮🇹 La Gazzetta dello Sport - "Excessive downforce and porpoising: the causes of McLaren's plank wear"

In Italy, La Gazzetta dello Sport outlined what caused the skid-block on both Norris' and Piastri's cars to fall below the legal minimum thickness. 

It was effectively due to a miscalculation by McLaren, who argued against the FIA that it was impacted by more porpoising than expected and a lack of data. 

McLaren argued that the damp practice sessions impacted data gathering and that the track surface was much bumpier than expected. This was an issue also aired by Fernando Alonso, who criticised the track surface. 

However, the FIA explained to the Woking-based outfit that while it understands its argument, it does not justify the plank falling out of line with the regulations. No other team suffered the same issue.

🇦🇺 Herald Sun - "Huge Horner bombshell as CEO ‘sacked’"

In Australia, the Herald Sun looks at an emerging candidate for the Aston Martin CEO and team principal position. 

RacingNews365 understands that Aston Martin is set to sack current team boss and CEO Andy Cowell, just a year on from him taking on the position. 

Former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl is understood by RacingNews365 to be the favourite for the position, although Horner's name has also been reported. 

Horner has been without a role in F1 since being axed by Red Bull after the British Grand Prix. A move to Aston Martin would see him reunited with Adrian Newey.

🇺🇸 The Washington Post - "Lewis Hamilton's terrible season continues with eighth-place finish in Las Vegas"

And finally, in the United States, The Washington Post highlighted Lewis Hamilton's latest disappointing performance in Sin City. 

The seven-time world champion qualified in last for the first time in his F1 career on pure pace, while in the race he recovered to finish in eighth. 

Hamilton initially finished in 10th, but the double McLaren disqualification promoted the 40-year-old two positions. 

He was a visibly dejected figure after the grand prix who had nothing positive to say about his weekend or the remaining two races.