FIA confirm DOUBLE McLaren engine change for Belgian GP due to…read more
The FIA has officially announced that both McLaren Formula 1 drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, will undergo significant power unit changes for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. This decision comes at a crucial point in the 2025 season, with McLaren emerging as one of the most dominant teams on the grid. With their Mercedes-powered cars, Norris and Piastri have secured a total of nine race wins so far, highlighting the extraordinary level of performance and reliability they have enjoyed throughout the season. Now, as the championship battle intensifies, McLaren is strategically refreshing key engine components for both of its drivers to ensure they remain competitive in the second half of the season.
The FIA’s technical report confirms that Norris and Piastri will each be equipped with a brand-new internal combustion engine (ICE), turbocharger (TC), motor generator unit-heat (MGU-H), and motor generator unit-kinetic (MGU-K). These components are all essential parts of a modern Formula 1 power unit, and replacing them at the right time can offer a crucial balance of performance and reliability. The update is not exclusive to McLaren, as Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll will also be receiving identical upgrades to his power unit ahead of the race at Spa.
For McLaren, this double engine change is a carefully calculated move. The Belgian Grand Prix, held at the legendary Spa circuit, is known for its long straights and high-speed corners, making it a track that heavily rewards engine power and efficiency. By introducing fresh engine components here, McLaren ensures that both Norris and Piastri will have maximum performance available for one of the most challenging circuits of the season. Moreover, with the team fighting for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, every decision related to performance and strategy carries enormous weight.
Both Norris and Piastri have been in exceptional form during the 2025 season. Their combined nine victories are a testament to not only their driving skill but also the impressive speed and consistency of the McLaren package. Norris, who has been with the team for several seasons, continues to demonstrate maturity and pace, while Piastri, in only his second full year in Formula 1, has quickly established himself as a formidable contender. Together, they have helped McLaren mount a serious challenge to traditional rivals like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
The decision to change both drivers’ engines simultaneously also speaks to McLaren’s confidence in its long-term plan. Under current FIA regulations, each driver is only allowed a limited number of power unit components during the season before grid penalties are applied. By opting for this change now, McLaren appears to be using its remaining allocation strategically, ensuring that both cars have fresh and reliable components for the demanding run of races ahead. Spa, with its combination of flat-out straights like the Kemmel Straight and high-speed sections like Eau Rouge and Blanchimont, places enormous stress on the engine. A fresh power unit can make a significant difference not only in qualifying pace but also in overall race performance and durability.
Lance Stroll’s engine change with Aston Martin shows that McLaren is not the only team taking precautionary measures. As the season progresses, teams often replace engine components to avoid reliability issues that can arise from prolonged use. For Stroll, this could provide a much-needed boost, as Aston Martin aims to close the gap to the leading teams in the Constructors’ standings.
The new components being fitted—ICE, TC, MGU-H, and MGU-K—are critical elements of the hybrid power units used in Formula 1. The internal combustion engine serves as the core power source, while the turbocharger improves engine efficiency and performance at high speeds. The MGU-H recovers energy from the exhaust gases, while the MGU-K recovers energy from braking, both of which contribute to the hybrid system that delivers additional electric power to the car. By installing brand-new versions of these components, McLaren ensures that both drivers will have maximum power and energy recovery potential during the Belgian Grand Prix and beyond.
Looking ahead, this move could be vital in the context of the championship fight. With Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and other rivals pushing hard, maintaining reliability while delivering peak performance is crucial. A single mechanical failure or grid penalty can drastically alter the standings in such a competitive season. McLaren’s decision to refresh the engines now, before the crucial European rounds and flyaway races later in the year, reflects careful planning and a desire to stay ahead of the curve.
In conclusion, the FIA’s confirmation of a double engine change for McLaren’s Norris and Piastri ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix signals a strategic effort by the team to sustain its impressive run of form. With nine victories already secured, McLaren is not taking any chances with reliability or performance. Spa-Francorchamps, with its power-sensitive layout, offers the perfect opportunity to introduce fresh engine components without compromising competitiveness. As both McLaren drivers aim to continue their winning momentum and fight for the championship, these engine changes could prove to be a decisive factor in the battles that lie ahead. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll will also benefit from similar changes, further underlining how critical this phase of the season is for all teams. The stage is now set for an intense showdown in Belgium, with McLaren ready to unleash the full potential of its refreshed power units.
