McLaren reveal why Norris and Piastri failed to start in China

March 16, 2026 Oliver Obel

McLaren’s promising start to the Formula One weekend in Shanghai ended abruptly on Sunday when both of its drivers failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix following last-minute technical problems.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris had initially secured fifth and sixth on the grid after qualifying, positioning the team for a potential points finish at the second race of the season.

The race weekend had already produced several notable moments elsewhere on the grid. Mercedes driver George Russell won Saturday’s sprint race, while teammate Kimi Antonelli claimed pole position for Sunday’s Grand Prix becoming the youngest driver to take pole in Formula One.

Sudden pre-race problems

Despite their strong qualifying result, McLaren’s race ended before it began.

Norris was withdrawn from the event before the formation lap, while Piastri climbed out of his car just moments before the start after his vehicle was removed from the grid.

According to McLaren, the two retirements were caused by separate technical issues, leaving engineers scrambling to understand what went wrong.

In a statement posted on X, the team said:
“Unfortunately we identified separate issues on both cars which prevented them from starting the Chinese GP, with Oscar's being removed from the grid shortly before the formation lap. We will now work to identify each issue.”

https://twitter.com/McLarenF1/status/2033151912145498186

Diagnosis still ongoing

Norris later indicated the exact fault affecting his car had not yet been identified, raising concerns for the team as it prepares for the Japanese Grand Prix later this month.

The British driver said he had been going through his usual warm-up routine when he was informed about the problem, resulting in the first non-start of his Formula One career.

For McLaren, the double DNS represented a rare and frustrating outcome after showing competitive pace earlier in the weekend.

Paddock reaction

The difficult afternoon did at least produce a moment of humour.

Formula One journalist Adam Cooper reported that Piastri jokingly greeted his teammate with “fancy seeing you here” after the two bumped into each other in the media pen while the race was still underway.

The team is now expected to analyse both cars in detail before the championship heads to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Sources: McLaren statement on X, reporting by Adam Cooper, Formula One race weekend coverage.