Lando Norris Among Drivers Selected for Routine FIA Car Inspection Ahead of Austrian GP
McLaren’s Lando Norris is one of three Formula 1 drivers selected for a standard FIA car inspection ahead of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg. The FIA has issued a routine summons for Norris, along with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli, as part of its regular “car display procedure” conducted during Grand Prix weekends.
This procedure, though officially classified as a summons, is not related to any technical breach or infraction. Instead, it is a non-intrusive, scheduled activity that allows media representatives, technical delegates, and other authorized personnel within the F1 paddock to inspect selected vehicles up close. It’s designed to provide insights into car designs and developments, which are often difficult to observe during high-speed track sessions or race-day coverage.
The FIA randomly selects three drivers for this process, and the chosen cars are displayed in a designated area prior to the main on-track sessions. This allows photographers, reporters, and TV analysts a unique opportunity to examine the structural and aerodynamic intricacies of the latest F1 machines. The goal is to promote technical transparency and offer a more comprehensive view of how teams are evolving throughout the season.
Lando Norris’s inclusion comes amid a strong season for the young Briton. Norris has emerged as a key figure in the 2025 championship battle, consistently finishing near the front and securing several podiums with his improved McLaren MCL39. The team has shown significant gains in both reliability and raw pace this year, which many attribute to successful mid-season upgrades and strong driver feedback. The car’s presence in the display will undoubtedly attract technical interest from observers eager to understand the details behind McLaren’s recent performance boost.
Also selected is Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion who continues to play a pivotal role at Aston Martin. Though his team has experienced some inconsistency during the middle portion of the season, Alonso’s deep technical knowledge and relentless driving style remain vital assets. His car’s inspection offers another chance to study the unique design elements Aston Martin has implemented in their bid to regain competitiveness.
Rounding out the trio is 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, currently in his rookie season with Mercedes. The Italian has generated considerable excitement as one of the sport’s most promising newcomers. His progress is being closely followed both within the paddock and among fans worldwide. Featuring his car in the FIA display gives the public and media a closer look at the machinery supporting his F1 debut and helps highlight Mercedes’ development strategy for their next-generation driver talent.
It’s important to stress that these summonses are entirely procedural and bear no link to suspicions of rule violations or irregularities. The process plays a key role in making Formula 1 more accessible and transparent to the public and media, especially in terms of car innovation and development.
As the race weekend approaches, Norris, Alonso, and Antonelli remain fully focused on their respective campaigns, with all three teams in full compliance with FIA regulations.
