Breaking:FIA announce outcome of Piastri inspection as samples taken a… read more
The FIA has confirmed that Oscar Piastri’s McLaren successfully passed all post-race inspections following the thrilling 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, where the Australian driver secured a hard-fought second-place finish behind team-mate Lando Norris. As part of the FIA’s standard post-race scrutineering process, officials conducted detailed analyses on multiple components of Piastri’s car, including fuel and engine oil samples. The regulatory body has since announced that both samples were in full compliance with the technical regulations, thus confirming Piastri’s results from the race stand without penalty.
Piastri, who had challenged Norris throughout the race in a gripping wheel-to-wheel contest, was unable to snatch victory away from his team-mate at the Red Bull Ring. Nonetheless, his second-place finish was another major statement of intent in what has been a breakthrough season for the young Australian. McLaren’s one-two finish in Austria marked a strong rebound for the team after a dramatic and disappointing outing at the Canadian Grand Prix, where Norris failed to finish following a contentious on-track clash with Piastri. That incident sparked concerns about team dynamics, but the pair appeared to have put the drama behind them as they delivered one of the most entertaining duels of the season.
The FIA’s post-race documentation confirmed that Piastri’s car underwent standard scrutiny, including the taking of fuel and engine oil samples. These samples are routinely analyzed to ensure no illegal substances or performance-enhancing components are present. The governing body verified that the samples were not only compliant with the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations but were also among the fluids approved for use prior to the competition weekend. With no irregularities found, the FIA gave Piastri a clean bill of technical health, ensuring that McLaren’s double podium was preserved.
Lando Norris’ win in Austria was his first since the Monaco Grand Prix and came at a crucial time in the championship fight. His commanding performance saw him hold off repeated attacks from Piastri, including a nail-biting exchange of positions midway through the race. The race demonstrated not only the pace of the McLaren package but also the maturity of the drivers as they avoided a repeat of their Montreal mishap. As a result, McLaren left Austria with maximum constructor points, solidifying their position in the championship and renewing their campaign with fresh momentum.
There were concerns post-race regarding Norris’ car, particularly with the legality of the plank wear underneath his MCL38 — a component crucial in regulating ride height and preventing performance-related manipulation. However, those concerns were swiftly addressed when the FIA confirmed that Norris’ car also met all technical standards and thus avoided any penalties or disqualification. With both McLaren drivers cleared by the FIA, their standings in the championship remain intact.
The outcome of the Austrian Grand Prix has tightened the battle within McLaren, with Norris and Piastri now separated by only 15 points in the drivers’ standings. Meanwhile, the woes of Max Verstappen deepened as the Red Bull star suffered a costly DNF after being taken out in an opening-lap incident, leaving him 46 points adrift of Norris. For the first time in years, the reigning world champion finds himself on the back foot, while McLaren’s young guns continue to assert their presence at the sharp end of the grid.
As the Formula 1 paddock shifts focus to the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone, all eyes will be on the evolving team dynamic at McLaren and the intensifying title fight between Norris and Piastri. With both drivers in top form and the FIA affirming the legality of their machinery, the stage is set for a riveting second half of the season
