At the 1000th Formula One Grand Prix race in China, McLaren struggled in qualifying, with both cars getting eliminated in Q2, recording the first time McLaren's cars missed Q3 in the 2019 season. Sainz would start the race in P14 with Norris alongside him in P15. The race was worse for the team, as both cars would collide with Daniil Kvyat at turn 6 on the first lap, which dropped both of them to the last positions. Norris would later retire due to damage from the collision. The team left the Grand Prix with no points.