McLaren F1 Double DNS Explained: Why Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri Failed to Start the Chinese GP

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McLaren endured a nightmare start to the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix after both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were unable to take the start due to separate technical issues discovered before the race.

The team confirmed that faults were detected on both cars shortly before the formation lap, forcing them to withdraw the drivers from the grid in Shanghai.

The unexpected double retirement left the fifth and sixth grid slots empty when the race began.

McLaren F1 confirms technical issues at Chinese GP

In an official statement posted on social media, McLaren said separate problems were identified on the two cars which prevented them from starting the race.

"Unfortunately we identified separate issues on both cars which prevented them from starting the Chinese GP, with Oscar's being removed from the grid shortly before the formation lap. We will now work to identify each issue," the team said.

According to reports, Norris was unable to exit the pit lane before it closed due to an electronics fault.

Piastri's car suffered a different mechanical problem that forced mechanics to wheel the car off the grid just moments before the formation lap.

Oscar Piastri yet to complete a lap in 2026 season

The incident marks another frustrating setback for Oscar Piastri, who has still not completed a single race lap in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The Australian driver had already suffered disappointment at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, where he crashed on a reconnaissance lap before the race even started.

That incident ended his home race before it had begun, and the technical failure in Shanghai means he remains without a completed lap after the first two rounds of the championship.

Four drivers fail to start Chinese GP

McLaren were not the only team affected by pre-race issues in Shanghai.

Williams driver Alex Albon was also forced to withdraw due to hydraulic problems, while Audi rookie Gabriel Bortoleto encountered a mechanical fault shortly before the start.

However, both Williams and Audi were still able to field one car in the race, while McLaren's double failure left the team without a single entry on the starting grid.

The team will now investigate the causes of the faults as they attempt to prevent further reliability issues in the early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.