FIA Clears McLaren Cars After Thorough Inspection Following Saudi GP Victory
JEDDAH, April 20, 2025 — The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) launched a detailed post-race inspection of both McLaren Formula 1 cars following an impressive showing at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri claimed his third victory of the season in Jeddah, while teammate Lando Norris secured a strong fourth-place finish, reinforcing McLaren’s growing challenge to the reigning champions, Red Bull Racing.
The inspection was part of the FIA’s routine post-race protocol but drew heightened attention due to McLaren’s recent surge in performance and the circumstances surrounding Max Verstappen’s five-second time penalty, which altered the race results.
The FIA confirmed that both McLaren MCL38s passed all technical checks, including evaluations of the gearbox, floor, and various aerodynamic components. Their findings confirmed that both Piastri’s and Norris’s cars met the standards outlined in the 2024 Formula 1 Technical Regulations, validating the legality of McLaren’s results and dismissing any speculation of rule breaches.
Piastri’s win was a milestone moment in the 2025 season. Not only did it highlight the effectiveness of McLaren’s mid-season upgrades, but it also propelled the young Australian to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings with a total of 99 points. The victory was a culmination of sharp strategy, clean execution, and calm under pressure—particularly as Piastri held off Ferrari’s late-race charge and capitalized on Verstappen’s penalty.
Speaking after the race, Piastri expressed satisfaction with both his performance and the team’s efforts. “I’m really proud of what we accomplished today,” he said. “The car was incredibly well-balanced, and the team gave me the tools I needed to control the race. It’s a great feeling to be leading the championship.”
Lando Norris also showed strong pace throughout the weekend. After qualifying in the top five, he maintained a consistent race pace, finishing just short of the podium in fourth. Despite narrowly missing out on the top three, Norris remained upbeat. “This was a great result for the team,” he said. “Both cars were competitive, and Oscar drove a fantastic race. We’re clearly making progress, and that’s what matters most.”
The FIA’s inspection came amidst an atmosphere of rising tension and competitive pressure in the paddock. Teams are continuously developing their cars to the edge of the technical rulebook, and as performance gaps narrow, scrutiny over potential infringements has intensified. Red Bull, frustrated by Verstappen’s penalty for gaining an advantage off-track during a battle for position, formally challenged the decision. Team principal Christian Horner argued that the penalty was undeserved, but the FIA stood by the original ruling.
Verstappen’s penalty proved decisive in the final outcome. Without it, he may have maintained a better finishing position. Instead, it opened the door for Piastri to secure the win and helped McLaren tighten their grip on the Constructors’ standings.
McLaren’s recent upgrades, especially to the floor and rear suspension, have shown immediate effect. The team’s engineers appear to have found a sweet spot in balancing aerodynamic efficiency with mechanical grip—two factors that are critical for consistency across diverse tracks on the F1 calendar.
What’s especially notable is McLaren’s reliability and consistency. With no regulatory violations found and both drivers finishing in the top five, the team is proving to be one of the most dependable and well-rounded contenders this season. Their technical and strategic departments are working in perfect sync, and the results are beginning to show on the track.
The successful inspection clears any doubt about McLaren’s rising competitiveness and further solidifies their reputation as a serious threat to Red Bull and Ferrari’s long-standing dominance. As the season progresses, the spotlight will continue to shine on the Woking-based outfit to see if they can sustain this level of performance.
With the next race just around the corner, McLaren will be eager to maintain their momentum. If Piastri and Norris can keep delivering at this level, the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship could very well turn into a three-team fight, with McLaren right at the center of the action.
