FIA Orders Inspection of Piastri and Norris’s Cars due to Verstappen's…

FIA Clears McLaren Cars After Post-Race Scrutiny in Saudi Arabia GP; Piastri Takes Championship Lead

In a significant development following the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) conducted an in-depth post-race inspection of McLaren’s cars, driven by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The move came after Piastri delivered a stellar performance to claim his third victory of the season, while teammate Norris finished a strong fourth. The inspection, part of standard post-race protocol, took on heightened importance amid the controversy surrounding Max Verstappen’s five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

The FIA’s inspection targeted critical components of the MCL38, including the gearbox, floor structure, and various aerodynamic elements. Given the recent competitiveness of McLaren and the influence of Verstappen’s penalty on the final race outcome, there was increased scrutiny to ensure that both McLarens met all technical standards. After a meticulous review, the FIA confirmed that both Piastri’s and Norris’s cars were fully compliant with the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations. This affirmation validated McLaren’s impressive performance in Jeddah and quelled any doubts about the legality of their cars.

Piastri’s victory marked another leap forward in what is becoming a breakout season for the 23-year-old Australian. With this win, he has now risen to the top of the Drivers’ Championship with 99 points. Piastri drove with maturity and precision throughout the race, showcasing a composed strategy that allowed him to manage his tires effectively and stay within striking distance of Verstappen. Once the Red Bull driver’s penalty was confirmed, Piastri surged into the lead, holding his position until the checkered flag.

Reflecting on his triumph, Piastri expressed pride in the team’s effort. “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved today. The car felt fantastic, and the team gave me everything I needed to deliver this result,” he said after the race.

Lando Norris, who was also competitive throughout the race and at times looked set for a podium, praised the team’s progress and the car’s performance. “It’s great to see both cars up there. Oscar did a phenomenal job, and the updates we’ve brought are clearly working. We’re in a strong position now,” Norris commented.

The penalty issued to Verstappen remains a talking point, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner publicly criticizing the decision, calling it harsh. Despite Red Bull’s protest, the FIA upheld the penalty, a ruling that had a major influence on the race results and opened the door for McLaren’s success.

Much of McLaren’s resurgence this season is being credited to the technical updates introduced over recent races. Improvements to the car’s floor and rear suspension have allowed the team to significantly close the gap to dominant forces like Red Bull and Ferrari. The consistent pace and reliability of the MCL38, coupled with the drivers’ sharp performances, are making McLaren a serious contender for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

As the Formula 1 season continues, all attention now turns to how long McLaren can sustain this momentum. With Piastri leading the standings and the team passing technical inspections with flying colors, the papaya squad is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 title fight.