by F1 correspondent Michael Butterworth

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Formula 1 championship leader Lando Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri have been disqualified from Saturday evening's Las Vegas Grand Prix after post-race checks revealed excessive wear to the skid blocks on both cars.

Norris had finished second behind race winner Max Verstappen, extending what had appeared to be a comfortable title lead over Piastri, who crossed the line fourth. But the FIA launched a formal investigation after the chequered flag, with both drivers summoned to the stewards at 11:45 p.m. local time.

Technical delegate Jo Bauer reported that the rearmost skid blocks on both McLarens measured below the mandatory minimum nine millimeters when inspected against the team's submitted legality documents. McLaren representatives were heard before the decision was issued.

The ruling marks the first time in McLaren's history that both cars have been removed from a grand prix classification for the same infraction.

The penalties significantly reshuffle the final order. Verstappen retains his win, but George Russell moves up to second, with Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli stepping onto the podium in third.

The revised classification also sees Charles Leclerc move up to fourth, with Carlos Sainz fifth and Isack Hadjar sixth. Nico Hulkenberg is now seventh, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, while the Haas pair of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman move up into the points-paying positions, in ninth and tenth respectively.

The title picture also tightens. Rather than extending his advantage, Norris remains 24 points clear of Piastri. Verstappen's victory brings him level with the Australian in the standings, leaving the trio separated by fewer than 25 points with two grands prix and one Sprint remaining.

Enforcement of skid block regulations has already impacted other drivers this season. Hamilton was excluded from the Chinese Grand Prix for the same breach, while Hulkenberg lost his points finish in Bahrain. ■