McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are under threat of receiving penalties from the FIA as they approach their component limits for the season. With the Hungarian Grand Prix underway and McLaren leading the Constructors’ Championship, the team is in a strong competitive position. However, that could be compromised if either driver exceeds the permitted use of engine components—a violation that could result in starting from the pit lane and severely impact their race strategy.
The Formula 1 regulations for 2025—particularly Article 28.2—set strict caps on power unit (PU) parts. Each driver is limited to four units of the internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, and MGU-K throughout the season. Only two energy stores and control electronics are allowed, along with a maximum of eight exhaust systems. Surpassing these thresholds results in grid drops or pit lane starts. Norris and Piastri have already used up their quotas for the major PU elements, meaning any replacement would automatically incur a penalty.
This situation echoes a recent incident at the Belgian Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton received a penalty after Mercedes installed several new PU elements without FIA approval. That move forced the British driver to begin the race from the pit lane, though he still managed a commendable seventh-place finish. McLaren, aware of the consequences, is likely to be cautious to avoid repeating such a scenario during their critical Hungarian outing.
The FIA’s PU regulations were introduced to encourage teams to manage resources wisely and limit unnecessary spending. While they help reduce costs and environmental impact, these rules can place top-performing teams in difficult positions as the season progresses. McLaren’s current stats show both drivers have fully used their allowed ICEs, turbochargers, MGU-Hs, MGU-Ks, energy stores, and control electronics. Only a few exhaust units remain in their allocation, leaving very little room for any mechanical setbacks.
Other drivers on the grid are also walking a tightrope with their component usage. While the likes of Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi Antonelli have already incurred penalties, others—such as Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon—have managed their allocations with more restraint. As the Hungarian Grand Prix could significantly influence the title race, McLaren must now balance engine conservation with the need to stay competitive. The upcoming races will put both their speed and reliability under intense scrutiny.
About the Author
