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F1 Officials Investigate Oscar Piastri’s Car Before Brazil GP
(Photo by Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

The Formula 1 official governing body, FIA, has conducted a detailed inspection of Oscar Piastri’s McLaren following the Mexico City Grand Prix, ahead of this weekend’s race in São Paulo.

The FIA released an official technical delegate’s report confirming that car number 81, driven by Piastri, was randomly selected among the top ten finishers for further physical checks.

Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico.(Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

The inspection was part of routine post-race procedures designed to ensure full compliance with the 2025 Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

Suspension and Sensor Systems Examined

According to the report, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer oversaw an extensive examination focused on the car’s front and rear suspension sensors and their associated wiring.

Jo Bauer of the FIA during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 9, 2024, in Montreal.(Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images)

The inspection also covered several key technical aspects, including:

  • Identification of all sensors installed;
  • Connections to the FIA-standard ECU;
  • Data logging and signal accuracy;
  • Homologation status of the sensors;
  • TD001 (technical directive) submissions.

These checks are crucial in verifying that no team gains a performance advantage through unapproved modifications or sensor manipulation, a particularly sensitive area as teams push the limits of active suspension and telemetry systems.

McLaren Cleared of Any Irregularities

Following the inspection, Bauer confirmed that all components examined on Piastri’s car were "found to be in conformance” with FIA regulations. This finding means no further action will be taken, and McLaren has been cleared of any technical infringement ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Race winner Oscar Piastri celebrates in parc ferme during the 2025 F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

The FIA’s decision reaffirms its ongoing effort to maintain transparency and fairness across the grid, especially as the 2025 season enters its final stretch with tight competition among the front-runners.

For McLaren and Piastri, the confirmation provides relief as they continue to fight for top positions in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris Under Pressure

After the Mexico City Grand Prix, Piastri slipped to second place in the Drivers’ Championship, now trailing teammate Lando Norris by just one point. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen remains close behind in third with 321 points, keeping the title race wide open.

Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen, with second-placed qualifier Lando Norris, and third-placed qualifier Oscar Piastri during qualifying ahead of the 2025 F1 Grand Prix of Italy.(Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

With 116 points still available across the final four Grands Prix and two sprint races, Piastri must return to winning form quickly to regain momentum in the closing stages of the season.

Even Lewis Hamilton had commented before the Mexico GP on the intensity of the title battle, saying that both Norris and Piastri need to be “cutthroat” if they want to keep Verstappen at bay, a statement that perfectly sums up the fierce competitiveness of this year’s fight.

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari greets Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 23, 2025, in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Adding to the challenge, BBC forecasts rain for Interlagos, a scenario that historically plays to Verstappen’s strengths. McLaren will need to adapt their race strategy and setup to ensure both drivers can maximize their chances in the unpredictable Brazilian conditions.

The upcoming Brazil Grand Prix could prove decisive, not only for McLaren’s championship hopes but also for Piastri and Norris' pursuit of a maiden Formula 1 title.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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