Chinese Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri yet to officially race in 2026 after second consecutive DNS

Oscar Piastri is yet to officially start a race in the 2026 Formula 1 season after failing to take the start of the Chinese Grand Prixmarking his second consecutive Did Not Start (DNS) of the year.

The McLaren driver was removed from the grid shortly before the formation lap after his car developed a late technical issueforcing mechanics to push the car back into the garage. The problem could not be resolved in time, meaning Piastri was unable to participate in the race.

Second race setback in a row

The latest incident follows another early exit at the Australian Grand Prixthe opening round of the season in Melbourne. In that race, Piastri crashed his car on the reconnaissance lap while heading to the gridpreventing him from starting his home race.

As a result, the Australian driver has not completed a single racing lap in the 2026 season so farwith two DNS results in the first two rounds.

McLaren weekend worsens

The situation worsened for McLaren as Lando Norris also encountered a late technical issue before the race start. Both McLaren cars ultimately failed to line up on the grid, leaving the team without a car at the start of the Chinese Grand Prix.

McLaren confirmed that separate technical problems affected both carsand the team will now investigate the causes behind the failures.

With two races completed and no laps raced, Piastri faces one of the toughest starts to a Formula 1 season in recent memory as the championship continues.