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McLaren Drivers Abandon Chinese GP Amid Power Unit Failures

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 16, 2026, McLaren drivers Lando Norris (McLaren F1 driver) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren F1 driver) failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix due to issues with Mercedes power units.
Piastri has yet to complete a lap this season.
Team principal Andrea Stella said the issues were coincidental and uncharacteristic and that McLaren will study faults with Mercedes High Performance Powertrains.

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Story summary

On March 16, 2026, McLaren drivers Lando Norris (McLaren F1 driver) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren F1 driver) failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix due to issues with Mercedes power units.
Piastri has yet to complete a lap this season.
Team principal Andrea Stella said the issues were coincidental and uncharacteristic and that McLaren will study faults with Mercedes High Performance Powertrains.