FIA forced to issue urgent rule change as four teams suffer 'technical issues' before Chinese GP

Four Formula 1 teams have reportedly been hit with technical issues ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix resulting in a late rule change.

Last weekend, the 2025 season began in Melbourne as the Australian Grand Prix took place.

McLaren star Lando Norris finished first ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell in what was an incident-packed race.

Now, teams are racing around the clock as they face a quick turnaround to get everything moved over to China for this weekend's Grand Prix, which will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit.

However, according to well-known F1 photographer, Kym Illman, four teams have been hit with aircraft technical issues heading out of Australia.

It has been claimed that teams might not have their cars ready for the first practice session (FP1), which will take place on Friday morning.

If teams fail to get everything ready for FP1, it could have a negative impact on the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend.

Four teams face 'technical issues' ahead of Chinese Grand Prix

On social media, Illman wrote on Wednesday morning: "F1 CARS MISSING. Aircraft technical issues out of Australia have led to big delays in freight arriving into Shanghai for 4 teams.

"This freight is not expected into Shanghai until late this afternoon or early evening which is at least a day and a half behind schedule.

"The four tech affected teams are Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin but I understand the other teams have also been affected in less ways. It’s unsure what effect this will have on the teams getting a car on track by Friday but my guess is it will involve a couple of very late nights."

In another video, the Australian explained: "There's doubt that some of the F1 teams will have their cars ready for FP1 on Friday. I believe four F1 teams have had their freights sidelined in Melbourne due to technical issues with aircraft.

"Now, this happens occasionally and with China and Australia being back to back and a quick turnaround time required, it's going to be very tight as to whether or not teams are going to have their cars ready to go for FP1."

He continued: "China is notoriously tricky for getting stuff into and out of, so there may well be delays there. If there's a further delay, that could very well signal drama for the first practice session, and later in the day, quali for the sprint race.

FIA make late rule change

Following these developments, the FIA have been forced to make a late rule change to ensure the weekend runs smoothly.

They released the following statement: "Due to the logistical challenges for the official tyre supplier resulting from delays in freight arrival, specially the requirement to revise the fitting schedule for Wednesday, the following concessions will be made: On the Wednesday, and for this event only, the curfew period will be reduced by a period of five and a half (5.5) hours for a maximum of six (6) operational personnel for the sole purpose of tyre preparations post tyre fitting from the tyre supplier."