In the world of Formula 1, where speed, technology and strategy come together, controversies are never far away. This season, the spotlight is aimed at McLaren, which is accused of exceeding the cost limit for upgrades to their super-fast MCL39 car. The suspicions come from none other than Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell, who claim that McLaren’s dominant performance in 2025 is not only due to technical ingenuity, but possibly also to illegal practices. The FIA, the international motorsport federation, immediately confirmed the complaint and started an investigation, which further increases the tension in the paddock.
This year, McLaren has conquered the Formula 1 world. With nine wins in twelve Grands Prix and a large lead in both the driver and the constructors’ championship, the team from Woking is a class of its own. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the two talented McLaren drivers, have dominated circuits worldwide, especially on jobs where tire management is crucial. The MCL39, an evolution of the successful MCL38 from 2024, excels in aerodynamic efficiency and tire wear management, which has yielded an unparalleled benefit. However, this unprecedented speed has aroused suspicion of competitors, especially at Ferrari and Mercedes, who have difficulty sealing the gap.
The cost limit, a rule that was introduced in 2021 to reduce financial inequality in Formula 1, is a hot issue. Teams may spend an annual amount on the development and production of their cars, excluding salaries and marketing costs. Before 2025 this amount was set at approximately $ 135 million. Covering this limit can lead to heavy sanctions, ranging from fines to points deduction or even disqualification. Leclerc and Russell, both frustrated by McLaren’s superiority, have publicly expressed their doubts about the legality of the MCL39-Upgrades, in particular the recent adjustments to the floor and front wing that the team gave a considerable speed boost.
The complaint from Leclerc and Russell was soon taken seriously by the FIA, known for its strict enforcement of the cost limit. After the Grand Prix of Great Britain, where McLaren achieved a dominant one-two victory, the FIA announced a thorough investigation into the financial administration of McLaren. Sources suggest that the focus is on the costs of the new floor, which was tested in Silverstone but was later withdrawn after protests from rival teams. According to the FIA documentation, this floor significantly improved the air flow and aerodynamic performance, but questions have arisen about the development costs and whether they fell within the permitted limit.
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has strongly denied the accusations. In a press conference, he emphasized that his team is completely compliant with the rules and that the successes of the MCL39 are the result of hard work and smart innovations, in particular in the field of suspension and braking systems. “Our engineers have done excellent work by optimizing the car within the boundaries of the regulations,” said Stella. He also pointed to the strict controls of the FIA, which after the Miami Grand Prix found no irregularities in McLaren’s brake system, another point of speculation among competitors.
The rivalry between McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes is not new, but this controversy adds an extra low voltage to the season. Leclerc, who is struggling to bring Ferrari back to the top, and Russell, who tries to lead Mercedes’ return to the vanguard, see McLaren’s dominance as a threat to their own ambitions. The outcome of the FIA investigation can have far-reaching consequences. If McLaren is found guilty, they not only risk their reputation, but also their leading position in the championship. On the other hand, if they are cleared, this will silence their critics and further identify their dominance.
While the research is ongoing, the Formula 1 world is eagerly looking forward to the next races, in particular the Grand Prix of Belgium on Spa-Francorchamps. McLaren seems unassailable, but the pressure of the research and the eyes of the competition can influence the dynamics on the circuit. For the time being, the question remains: is McLaren’s success due to unparalleled technical ingenuity, or have they bent the rules to make the MCL39 so fast? Only the time and the FIA judgment will give a definitive answer.
