McLaren Disqualified from Austrian Grand Prix After Rea..

McLaren Disqualified from Austrian Grand Prix After Rea..read more

In a dramatic turn of events following the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed the disqualification of the McLaren Formula 1 team due to a major technical infringement. The ruling came after a post-race inspection revealed that both McLaren cars were equipped with a component that breached current Formula 1 regulations, specifically regarding rear wing flexibility.

The announcement has sent shockwaves through the paddock and among fans, as both McLaren drivers — Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — had delivered strong performances during the race and finished well within the points. Their efforts, however, have now been rendered null and void as the FIA stripped the team of its results following the discovery of a non-compliant aerodynamic part.

According to the FIA’s statement, scrutineers identified irregularities in the flexibility of the rear wing during routine checks conducted after the race at the Red Bull Ring. The component in question was found to exceed the allowable flex limits under the technical regulations, which are in place to ensure fairness and to prevent teams from gaining performance advantages through parts that bend or shift beyond defined tolerances.

“The rear wing assembly on both McLaren entries was found to not comply with Article 3.9.3 of the Technical Regulations,” the FIA report stated. “The flexibility of the upper flap exceeded the limits during controlled deflection tests, indicating an aerodynamic advantage that contravenes the rules.”

McLaren was summoned by race stewards shortly after the findings were confirmed, and a formal investigation was launched. After reviewing all available data and engineering documentation, the stewards concluded that the team had violated technical regulations. Despite McLaren’s defense — which reportedly included arguments that the flexibility may have resulted from unintentional wear or manufacturing variance — the FIA upheld the disqualification.

The decision has had a significant impact on the championship standings. Lando Norris had crossed the line in fifth place, while teammate Oscar Piastri had secured eighth. The removal of their results not only denies McLaren crucial constructors’ championship points but also allows their rivals to move up the order, altering the final classification of the race.

Reactions across the F1 community have been swift and mixed. Some observers have commended the FIA for maintaining strict enforcement of the technical regulations, emphasizing the importance of a level playing field in the sport. Others have expressed sympathy for the drivers, who now lose valuable points through no apparent fault of their own.

In a brief statement issued after the ruling, McLaren expressed disappointment but pledged full cooperation with the governing body: “While we respect the FIA’s decision, we are thoroughly investigating the circumstances that led to this outcome. We pride ourselves on operating within the rules and will take all necessary steps to understand and address this issue.”

This isn’t the first time in recent history that a team has faced disqualification for technical non-compliance, but the timing and prominence of the incident — coming in the middle of a highly competitive season — make it particularly notable. With only a handful of points separating several teams in the constructors’ standings, the ramifications of this decision could be felt for weeks to come.

As the Formula 1 calendar heads next to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, all eyes will be on McLaren to see how they respond to this setback — both on and off the track. Meanwhile, rival teams are likely to take a closer look at their own designs to ensure full compliance amid what appears to be an increasingly rigorous enforcement environment.

The disqualification serves as a stark reminder of the precision and scrutiny involved in Formula 1 — where even the smallest deviation can lead to dramatic consequences.