A frustrating start to the Chinese Grand Prix saw both McLaren-Mercedes drivers sidelined before the race even began on Sunday, March 15, 2026. World champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri remained in their garage as the race commenced.
Adding to the drama, Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Williams-Mercedes driver Alexander Albon also failed to take the starting grid.
“It’s just frustrating,” an exasperated Lando Norris told Sky Sports, pointing to issues with the engine’s 50/50 split between thermal and electric power. “It’s the first time (I’ve missed a start), it’s tough to swallow but that’s racing.”
Norris was stuck in the garage due to an electrical problem as his mechanics worked on the car, preventing him from joining the field. Piastri initially made it to the grid but was forced to return to the garage shortly after with a separate electrical or mechanical issue.
“Unfortunately, we identified distinct issues on both cars which prevented them from starting the Chinese Grand Prix,” McLaren explained in a team statement.
The British team, last year’s constructors’ champions, are facing a difficult start to the season. Last weekend, only one McLaren took the start in Melbourne after Piastri crashed on his way to the grid, meaning the Australian driver has yet to compete in a Grand Prix this season.
Norris finished fifth in Australia. At Shanghai on Saturday, the British driver qualified fourth in the sprint race, while Piastri finished sixth.
