The reigning Constructors champions have been off to a rough start in trying to three-peat their title. Through two race weekends, McLaren has only scored a total of 18 points with three DNS’s (Did Not Start)already. Oscar Piastri crashed during reconnaissance laps in Australia due to an unexpected power spike exiting turn 4. Then, both Piastri and Lando Norris suffered electrical issues with their power units in China, not allowing either to complete a lap. Things have hit rock bottom for the team in Papaya. So much so that the Safety Car has completed more laps in a non-sprint race than Oscar Piastri this season. After the double DNS, McLaren has launched an investigation alongside their engine supplier, Mercedes, into what has caused the power unit troubles thus far.

Difficulty adapting to new regulations

The two McLarens, like many others on the grid, have been struggling when it comes to adapting to the new engine regulations. Piastri didn’t take part in his home race, as during reconnaissance laps, he lost control of the car before spinning into the wall. Exiting Turn 4, he experienced an unexpected power spike over the kerb that caused him to lose control. His crash was similar to that of Kimi Antonelli earlier that weekend. The 19-year-old lost control of his car exiting Turn 1 during FP3, which caused him to miss some of qualifying. Both situations were similar, going over the kerb on the exit, the car lost control. These two instances showcase a bigger issue with the new regulations.

Drivers across the paddock have criticized the new cars, most notably Max Verstappen. The new focus on energy power has taken more time getting used to. Across the grid, reliability is a major issue, though it’s hitting no one as hard as it is McLaren. Only one non-sprint finish (Lando, Australia) and the two sprint race finishes in Shanghai, the team can’t seem to find any sort of groove to get going. The bigger concern is the unpredictability of the cars, as highlighted by Piastri having that energy spike. How will the drivers be able to get the most out of their cars when, at the same time, they are wrestling the car to keep it on track?

What happened in Shanghai?

All that we know regarding last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix for McLaren is that both cars suffered separate electrical faults, causing them not to start. Lando, the reigning Drivers Champion, was stuck in his garage before the team ran out of time to push the car onto the grid. As for Piastri, he went to the grid, though his car was pushed back to the garage shortly after. They weren’t the only ones to not start with Gabriel Bortoleto’s Audi having a hydraulic issue. Alex Albon also did not start due to difficulties with his Williams car.

Even during the sprint race, we saw troubles for McLaren. Neither driver was able to hold position after a decent start, which was made worse during the pit stop. Trying to double-stack, Piastri lost crucial time coming out of the pits just behind Antonelli, who served a 10-second penalty. The weekend just showed that the dysfunction in the garage stems further than just the car. The team is in disarray, and poor decision-making highlights that.

What to expect moving forward

Next up is the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, after which there will be over a month’s break. This is from both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix being cancelled. This gives McLaren some extra time to look over what went wrong with the engine and what changes must be made. Additionally, McLaren uses a Mercedes power unit, one that seems to be working for Mercedes, who currently lead both championships. There is no doubt that the McLaren team hope that they can get back to their winning ways soon. They are in a hole, and it will take some time for them to dig themselves out of it.