FIA Calls in McLaren and Piastri for Investigation at…..read more
Oscar Piastri’s McLaren has been called in by the FIA for inspection as Formula 1 gears up for the Chinese Grand Prix, the second race of the 2025 season. The FIA, motorsport’s governing body, also summoned the cars of two other drivers: Jack Doohan from Alpine and Alex Albon from Williams. While this may raise some eyebrows among fans, the summons is part of routine checks the FIA conducts throughout the season to ensure that all teams are fully compliant with the sport’s strict technical regulations.
McLaren heads into this weekend’s race in China with high confidence, following a strong start to their 2025 campaign. The Woking-based team secured an impressive victory at the opening round of the season, where Lando Norris clinched the win. This marked another milestone for McLaren as they aim to defend their constructors’ championship title, which they famously reclaimed in 2024, ending a drought that had lasted since 1998.
While Norris was celebrating on the top step of the podium at the season opener, Piastri endured a more challenging outing. The young Australian, who has consistently impressed since joining the F1 grid, finished ninth after a difficult race marked by changing weather conditions. Piastri’s struggles were largely attributed to a slip-up in the rain-soaked conditions that saw him slide off the circuit. Despite the setback, both McLaren drivers had displayed strong pace during the early stages of the race. Before the weather took a turn and multiple safety car periods bunched the field back together, Norris and Piastri had managed to build a commanding 16-second gap ahead of third-place finisher Max Verstappen.
With the FIA now requesting an inspection of Piastri’s MCL39, attention briefly shifts to the technical side of things ahead of the Shanghai International Circuit race weekend. However, it’s important to note that these inspections are part of the FIA’s normal processes. Throughout the season, random cars are chosen after each race or ahead of certain Grands Prix to undergo detailed technical checks. These inspections are designed to ensure that all components and systems of the cars fully comply with the sport’s regulations and that there is no breach of the technical rulebook.
For Piastri, the Chinese Grand Prix offers a valuable opportunity to put his season back on track after a frustrating opening round. The Australian driver, who is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents on the grid, will be eager to capitalize on McLaren’s strong form and aim for a much-improved result in Shanghai. The Shanghai International Circuit has been known to produce dramatic races, especially given its mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, and with the possibility of rain, the drivers may once again face unpredictable conditions.
McLaren’s current momentum places them firmly among the title contenders once again this year. After ending Red Bull’s constructors’ dominance last season, the team is focused on continuing that success. Norris’s win at the season opener only adds to their belief that they can consistently challenge for victories. Meanwhile, Piastri’s raw pace in the opening stages of the last race before the mishap suggests that both drivers will have the machinery capable of delivering strong performances throughout the campaign.
The FIA’s decision to also summon Doohan’s Alpine and Albon’s Williams reinforces the routine nature of these technical inspections. Alpine will be aiming for a step forward in performance this weekend, while Williams, with Albon at the wheel, looks to capitalize on their encouraging form from last year.
As the paddock sets its sights on Shanghai, the focus will soon shift back to on-track action. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see if McLaren can maintain their early advantage and whether Piastri can rebound from his initial setback. The FIA’s checks will ensure that all teams are competing on a level playing field as the competitive 2025 season continues to unfold.
