Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren, along with Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi and Alex Albon of Williams, did not start the recent Chinese Grand Prix due to various technical issues.
For McLaren, this incident marked the first time since the 2005 United States Grand Prix that both of their drivers were unable to begin a Grand Prix.
McLaren's Pre-Race Issues
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix. They had qualified fifth and sixth, respectively, leaving the third row of the grid empty.
The team later confirmed that separate power unit-related electrical faults were detected on both cars.
Norris's vehicle experienced an electronics issue that prevented it from reaching the grid. This problem required the removal of the car's floor and the inspection of several parts. Despite McLaren personnel assessing the issue as resolved, Norris was unable to exit the garage before the pit-exit closed, which would have meant a pit-lane start if he had been able to participate.
Piastri's car developed a technical issue on the grid before the formation lap and was subsequently moved from the grid to the garage due to distinct issues affecting his MCL40. This marked Piastri's second consecutive non-start of the season.
Oscar Piastri's Consecutive Non-Starts
Oscar Piastri's non-start in China followed a similar incident at the previous Australian Grand Prix. In Melbourne, Piastri was involved in a crash on his way to the grid, which rendered him unable to participate in his home event. He has subsequently stated an aim to start the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
Other Non-Starters in Chinese Grand Prix
Beyond McLaren, other teams also encountered pre-race difficulties that resulted in drivers not starting the race:
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi): Did not start, marking the second consecutive Grand Prix with only one Audi entry.
- Alex Albon (Williams): Was unable to participate after Williams identified a hydraulics problem on his FW48 car during his laps to the grid. The team's attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful.
McLaren's double non-start represented the second consecutive race weekend where the team experienced a pre-race problem.