Two differing mechanical issues forced McLaren to withdraw both their cars from the race start at the Chinese Grand Prix, with both Lando Norrisand Oscar Piastri revealing the real reason behind their separate withdrawals.
Today’s heartbreaking day for McLaren marks the first time that the Paypaya team have failed to start a race with either of their drivers since the 2005 United States Grand Prix, when Kimi Raikkonen and Jaun Pablo Montoya were forced to retire after the formation lap.
Despite claiming both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships last season, McLaren have had a torrid start to their 2026 season with the new cars and regulations.
The first race weekend of the season saw Norris only able to achieve a fifth-place finish, while Australian driver Piastri crashed out of his home race on his way to the grid. Issues prior to lights out today stopped both drivers from competing and potentially challenging for a podium in round two in China, having qualified just behind the Ferrari‘s in fifth and sixth place respectively.
Oscar Piastri & Lando Norris Reveal Issues With McLaren
Following the double DNS today in Shanghai, Piastri revealed the diagnosis of his issue as he spoke to the media.
“It was an electrical issue on the power unit. Different to Lando’s, so just very unfortunate to both have issues. We don’t fully know any more than that at this point. Obviously disappointing.
“(We will) try and learn what we can by watching the race. After that, just try to do as much work as we can before Japan.
“Obviously, the problems today have been annoying, but I think besides that, we know we’ve got work to do to find more performance, so that’s what we’ll try and focus on.”
Norris couldn’t provide a full diagnosis of his issue that prevented him from starting the race, as he revealed to the media: “It’s on the PU (Power Unit) side, so the guys tried everything they could to get everything sorted or find some solution, but were unable to, so disappointing.
“I don’t know how long it’s been going on for, honestly. Sometimes it’s better just to leave them to crack on with things, but I found out probably 20 minutes before I was meant to go out the garage. But I think they’ve been working at things for a little while already. Some electrical issue with the power unit, and therefore can’t even start it.
“So, yeah, a shame. My first non-start in F1, which is sad. And even worse, that it’s a double do-not-start with Oscar as well. So, yeah, not the best day for us.”
McLaren will now have a week off to lick their wounds and learn from their sub-par start to the 2026 season, and hopefully make some improvements before heading to Japan, which is swiftly followed by an unexpected one-month break following the announcement that both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April have been cancelled due to ongoing conflict in the Middle-East.
McLaren Release Further Statement About Chinese GP Issues
After it was confirmed that the two drivers wouldn’t be racing in China, McLaren took to X to release an official statement, but in the aftermath of the Grand Prix, they’ve provided further information with another post on social media.
It reads: “Following investigations into the issues on each car, it was two different electrical problems on the power unit side which caused the double DNS today.
“We are racers and naturally gutted we were unable to race, but we will continue to work together as one as we look ahead to Japan. Thanks to the team, and to the fans for your support.”
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Ajax sensation Seun Steur in a deal worth around £20m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Magpies have had a busy window so far after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70m, while a deal for Sandro Tonali to join Tottenham Hotspur for £100m was completed earlier this week.
That has allowed the club to seal a deal for Bazoumana Toure in attack, while they are also pushing to sign World Cup star Johan Manzambi to bolster their midfield. But they have now moved ahead with a deal for another midfield star to help Eddie Howe.
Manchester United could be in the market for a new defender in the summer transfer window as they look to improve Michael Carrick’s squad.
The Red Devils have been heavily focusing on signing midfielders so far this summer, but they have struggled to get deals over the line.
A move for Ederson appears to be reaching a conclusion, especially now the Brazilian midfielder has been knocked out of the World Cup.
After securing the signatures of some new additions in the middle of the park, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see United move on to different areas of the pitch.
There is no doubt the midfield is a major priority, but due to competing in the Champions League, they will need to reinforce multiple areas.
The Red Devils face competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and they are actively seeking reinforcements in defence.
The Bundesliga club could charge up to £43m to allow Coulibaly to depart this summer. At the age of 19, he’s seen as a potential long-term investment for interested parties.
Werder Bremen are hoping to keep Coulibaly, described as ‘elite’, for another season, whether that be through rejecting any potential bids or inserting a loan-back clause in any deal.
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England World Cup Quiz
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Signing a midfielder has to be a priority
via Reuters
Despite links to signing a new defender, Manchester United have to prioritise bringing in midfield additions in the summer transfer window.
They are yet to confirm a new signing in the middle of the park, and although there is plenty of time remaining, they could continue to miss out on key targets.
With Casemiro already through the exit door and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious injury, United are desperate for midfield reinforcements.
Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson were both key targets for the Red Devils, but they failed to get their signatures as they moved to other Premier League clubs.
Belgium reacted to their emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States at the 2026 World Cup with two savage tweets, both of which have gone viral.
The Belgians couldn’t resist rubbing salts into American wounds following FIFA’s hugely controversial decision to allow USMNT forward Florian Balogun to play in the last 16 fixture.
Balogun was sent off in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32, but FIFA suspended the 25-year-old’s one-match ban after US President Donald Trump intervened.
Trump has close ties with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, who denied accusations that the decision was influenced by the president.
Although Balogun was cleared to play, the former Arsenal striker failed to prevent the USA slumping to a heavy 4-1 defeat at the Seattle Stadium on Monday night.
Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring for Belgium in the ninth minute before Malik Tillman equalised after 30 minutes. De Ketelaere then restored the Red Devils’ advantage minutes later.
Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku ensured that it’s Belgium, rather than Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT, who will face Spain at the Los Angeles Stadium in the quarter-finals on Friday after scoring in the second half.
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Belgium Rub Salt Into USMNT Wounds
Reuters/Blake Dahlin
The result reduces the prospect of FIFA facing potential legal action from Belgium. In response to Balogun’s one-game ban being suspended, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) warned prior to kick-off: “The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee’s team sheet. This leaves all further actions open.”
However, the X (Twitter) account of the Belgium national team couldn’t resist firing two parting shots at the United States following their last 16 victory.
They posted photos of Belgium’s players celebrating alongside the caption: “Overturn this.” See the tweet below:
A second tweet featured the scoreline and the caption: “It’s called s̶o̶c̶c̶e̶r̶ FOOTBALLl.”
Asked if he’d used the pre-match controversy to motivate his players against the US, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia told reporters: “No, it wasn’t at all necessary. What really mattered to us was our game plan.
“We wanted to dominate the game, avoid their pressing and play higher up. We played with mastery, with willingness and dedication. It was a great night for us and a great qualification for the quarter-finals.”
Meanwhile, Pochettino was disappointed his side failed to produce the goods when it mattered most.
“We didn’t show our real quality as a team,” the Argentine said, per Reuters. “We never connected with the game. Belgium were better than us, and that’s it.
“It was a very bad day. It wasn’t our day, collectively or individually. In a tournament like the World Cup, when that happens in a knockout stage, you are out and you need to go home.”
